“Amazing journeys. Every day.”
Skytrax rating: 4 stars
Star Alliance member
Operations
Globally
- 26 destinations internationally
- New Zealand domestic
South Africa
- Flights to Auckland and Christchurch together with South African Airways via Sydney ex Johannesburg (contact us for more information)
General
Air New Zealand is the nationalized flag carrier of New Zealand. The airline is nearly three quarters owned by the national government. The airline’s recent history has involved disastrous take-over and merger attempts before re-nationalization, and profitability remains relatively low. In late 2010 an alliance was approved between Air New Zealand and Australian regional airline Virgin Australia. The alliance should be on interest to Australian national airline Qantas because Virgin Australia is a direct rival to Qantas in the domestic market in Australia.
Air New Zealand flies to long-haul destinations in Europe, North America, Oceania and Asia. It is the only airline whose flight route network extends right around the world. It does not, however, provide any flights to South Africa, or to any country in Africa, and with the exception of Etihad Airways its code-share agreements are all with localized nearby airlines.
Air New Zealand Boeing 747.
Air New Zealand eliminated their First Class offering in 2004. At present, the airline provides the following cabin classes on international flights, depending on the aircraft:
- Business Premier
- Business
- Pacific Premium Economy
- Pacific Economy
Other seating innovations are the Pacific Economy Spaceseat and the Economy SkyCouch. The Spaceseat is a superior seat to what is usually used in economy class and has a more elaborate design, while the SkyCouch is a bank of three seats that have retractable armrests, allowing a group of passengers such as a family or a couple to have a sleeping or play surface. Electronic entertainment is provided on all the classes, although the size of the passenger’s screen decreases as the class does.
However, on regional flights some planes only have economy class, while on domestic flights no other class is provided.
The frequent flyer program is called Airpoints.
Air New Zealand operates a fleet of about 50 aircraft and most of them are Boeing models. The airline has more than 20 wide-bodied long-haul planes for its international routes, and has also ordered eight Boeing 787-9s. Air New Zealand is the designated launch customer for the 787-9, but manufacturing delays on the part of Boeing have extended the delivery date of the aircraft to 2014.
New Zealand is one of the most distant destinations for travelers in South Africa, and flying there can take many hours. If you are trying to organise the most convenient flight for yourself, please contact us so that we can assist you in doing that.
