Air NZ backs regional events with new sponsorship programme
The Air New Zealand Regional Event Sponsorship programme aims to support and promote domestic travel and the collective effort in building New
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Otago Daily Times
an hour ago
- Otago Daily Times
Engine issues continue to affect Dunedin flights
Global engine maintenance issues affecting Air New Zealand's fleet and Dunedin travellers are not expected to be resolved until 2028, the Otago Daily Times can reveal. Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran told the ODT yesterday it was "still about two plus years away" from "getting on top" of the engine issues. He shared the news after speaking with the chief executive of international aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney earlier in the day. "It's unfortunate because we've already had about two years of it, but it's a tough problem to solve and there are many factors that are involved in it." In July 2023, Pratt & Whitney disclosed a condition affecting the maintenance plan for the geared turbofan jet engine fleet. Mr Foran previously said that, while the maintenance issue did not pose a safety issue, this had caused the airline to revise its flight schedule. Since late February, it has been using a 68-seat ATR-72 turboprop plane instead of the roomier 171-seat Airbus A320 on its morning and evening flights between Dunedin and Wellington — meaning the first flight of the day arrives in Wellington 50 minutes later than it did before. Mr Foran yesterday said the engines on about half of its Airbus fleet were bought during a period where a batch of "contaminated metal" was used. About 1200 engines were queued up waiting to be checked, which had created a backlog. "We're a bit unlucky. We just happened to purchase engines during this period. "It'll work its way through. They're safe but they need to be checked and hopefully by about 2028 we think we should be through." When asked if there could be further changes to domestic flight schedules and capacity, Mr Foran said there "probably will, but hopefully not as much as it has been as we work through these issues". He empathised with Air New Zealand's customers and the impact on them. "We're over half way. I wish it was going to be fixed by Christmas. It won't, but it will get fixed. "And as soon as those planes are available to come back, then they will." An interim report from Dunedin Airport earlier this year said domestic seat capacity remained limited due to Air New Zealand's ongoing fleet challenges, and it did not anticipate any "meaningful improvements" in the airline's capacity until late 2026. Chief executive Daniel De Bono said the engine issues affecting Air New Zealand's fleet, and many other airlines globally, were easing but remained outside of both the airport and Air Zealand's direct control. "We remain focused on working with Air New Zealand and our other airline partners to grow air capacity from Dunedin. "The aviation sector regularly faces challenges like this and the key is to work collaboratively through them." The engine-related domestic capacity constraints had reduced available seat capacity and limited the airport's ability to grow in the short term. It was a "dynamic situation" not isolated to Dunedin or New Zealand. As a global supply chain challenge, the airport had taken a conservative approach in its forward planning to account for the uncertainty, Mr De Bono said. "We also expect further changes to the domestic network as Air New Zealand navigates the [engine] issues and softer domestic demand. "Shocks like this happen in aviation, but the medium to long-term growth path generally remains steady." Business South chief executive Mike Collins said its main concern was maintaining reliable air connectivity in the region. "Flights are critical for business, tourism and freight — the reality is that ongoing constraints risk impacting local growth. "We encourage Air New Zealand to keep regional centres front of mind in any schedule changes." While the engine issues were complex and global, uncertainty around flight availability hurt businesses' confidence, Mr Collins said. Every cancelled flight or reduced service chipped away at business confidence and reliable services were key to unlocking economic opportunities for Dunedin and the South. "Businesses rely on certainty to make decisions — and right now, there's a real lack of it when it comes to regional air connectivity. "That creates challenges not just for planning travel, but for investment, growth and confidence in the region."
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Air NZ's engine issues to persist
Greg Foran. File photo: Tracey Roxburgh lobal engine maintenance issues affecting Air New Zealand's fleet and Dunedin travellers are not expected to be resolved until 2028, the Otago Daily Times can reveal. Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran told the ODT yesterday it was "still about two plus years away" from "getting on top" of the engine issues. He shared the news after speaking with the chief executive of international aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney earlier in the day. "It's unfortunate because we've already had about two years of it, but it's a tough problem to solve and there are many factors that are involved in it." In July 2023, Pratt & Whitney disclosed a condition affecting the maintenance plan for the geared turbofan jet engine fleet. Mr Foran previously said that, while the maintenance issue did not pose a safety issue, this had caused the airline to revise its flight schedule. Since late February, it has been using a 68-seat ATR-72 turboprop plane instead of the roomier 171-seat Airbus A320 on its morning and evening flights between Dunedin and Wellington — meaning the first flight of the day arrives in Wellington 50 minutes later than it did before. Mr Foran yesterday said the engines on about half of its Airbus fleet were bought during a period where a batch of "contaminated metal" was used. About 1200 engines were queued up waiting to be checked, which had created a backlog. "We're a bit unlucky. We just happened to purchase engines during this period. "It'll work its way through. They're safe but they need to be checked and hopefully by about 2028 we think we should be through." When asked if there could be further changes to domestic flight schedules and capacity, Mr Foran said there "probably will, but hopefully not as much as it has been as we work through these issues". He empathised with Air New Zealand's customers and the impact on them. "We're over half way. I wish it was going to be fixed by Christmas. It won't, but it will get fixed. "And as soon as those planes are available to come back, then they will." An interim report from Dunedin Airport earlier this year said domestic seat capacity remained limited due to Air New Zealand's ongoing fleet challenges, and it did not anticipate any "meaningful improvements" in the airline's capacity until late 2026. Chief executive Daniel De Bono said the engine issues affecting Air New Zealand's fleet, and many other airlines globally, were easing but remained outside of both the airport and Air Zealand's direct control. "We remain focused on working with Air New Zealand and our other airline partners to grow air capacity from Dunedin. "The aviation sector regularly faces challenges like this and the key is to work collaboratively through them." The engine-related domestic capacity constraints had reduced available seat capacity and limited the airport's ability to grow in the short term. It was a "dynamic situation" not isolated to Dunedin or New Zealand. As a global supply chain challenge, the airport had taken a conservative approach in its forward planning to account for the uncertainty, Mr De Bono said. "We also expect further changes to the domestic network as Air New Zealand navigates the [engine] issues and softer domestic demand. "Shocks like this happen in aviation, but the medium to long-term growth path generally remains steady." Business South chief executive Mike Collins said its main concern was maintaining reliable air connectivity in the region. "Flights are critical for business, tourism and freight — the reality is that ongoing constraints risk impacting local growth. "We encourage Air New Zealand to keep regional centres front of mind in any schedule changes." While the engine issues were complex and global, uncertainty around flight availability hurt businesses' confidence, Mr Collins said. Every cancelled flight or reduced service chipped away at business confidence and reliable services were key to unlocking economic opportunities for Dunedin and the South. "Businesses rely on certainty to make decisions — and right now, there's a real lack of it when it comes to regional air connectivity. "That creates challenges not just for planning travel, but for investment, growth and confidence in the region."
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Hot Deals: Explore Auckland, Brisbane, Fiji, Bali and set sail on a global cruise
Soak up riverfront luxury in Brisbane with this three-night escape at the five-star Emporium Hotel South Bank. Fly return from Auckland with Air New Zealand in economy class. Stay in a River Suite and enjoy daily breakfast, plus exclusive Travel Associates bonuses: two complimentary cocktails on the Terrace Rooftop, early check-in, and late check-out (subject to availability). Take your trip to new heights with a guided Story Bridge Twilight Climb, offering panoramic views as the city lights up. From $2269 pp, twin share, this Travel Associates exclusive pricing is only available for sale until August 31, 2025 for travel between October 13 and November 5 and November 9 to December 10, 2025. Airfares are based on economy class. A day-of-week surcharge of $10 applies for flights departing New Zealand on Thursday or Friday and returning on Sunday or Monday. Transfers are additional. For all terms and conditions, and to book, call 0800 482 776 or visit Enjoy a chill day at Brisbane. Photo / Getty Images Snorkel with reef sharks and stay beachfront Discover the beautiful Yasawa Islands with a stay at Barefoot Kuata Island Resort, Fiji. The resort is renowned for its snorkelling and Diving with Fiji Sharks experiences and features a stunning white sand beach with crystal-clear waters, offering high and low tide swimming. House of Travel's seven-night package starts from $1759 pp twin share and includes seven nights' accommodation, return Nadi airport/hotel and catamaran transfers (five nights at Barefoot Kuata Island Resort and two nights at Fiji Gateway pre/post). Your stay includes free use of snorkel gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The mandatory meal package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily at FJ$139 ($103) per adult per day. Valid for sale until March 31, 2026, unless sold out prior, for trips during September 11-18, September 23 to March 16, 2026 and March 19-31, 2026. Visit call 0800 713 715 or speak to your travel agent. Wake to ocean views and sip your morning coffee by the sea. Photo / Supplied Relax in coastal luxury at Bali Perched on Bali's iconic Seminyak Beach, Double-Six Luxury Hotel blends coastal sophistication with five-star service. Guests can unwind in a Leisure Suite with ocean views and plush interiors, savour world-class dining at rooftop or beachfront restaurants, or relax with luxurious spa treatments. The resort also offers an infinity pool, vibrant nightlife, and direct beach access for the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. This package includes return economy class airfares from Auckland to Denpasar with Air New Zealand, return private airport transfers, seven nights in a Leisure Suite and daily breakfast. Bonus inclusions feature a welcome cocktail, 24-hour butler and room service, complimentary Wi-Fi and discounts at Suzie-Q, Plantation Grill and The Spa at Blu Zea Resort. From $2729 pp twin share. Valid for travel from October 22 to December 10, 2025. Sale ends August 17, 2025. Book at Double Six Luxury Hotel, Seminyak. Photo / Supplied Sail across six continents Set sail on the adventure of a lifetime aboard the Crown Princess next May. This 114-day journey visits 40 ports and offers unforgettable memories. The round-trip cruise departs from Auckland and first explores Australia, before continuing to the natural wonders and vibrant cultures of Africa. From there, discover the charm and history of Europe, with call-ins to France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and more. The voyage then heads to Canada, travels through the United States and South America, and finishes in dreamy French Polynesia. It is a rare chance to see the world in one incredible trip. Priced from $28,369 pp twin share for a Princess Standard fare, which includes standard dining, accommodation, and entertainment. Flights are additional. The cruise departs Auckland, New Zealand, on May 6, 2026. Prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Visit to book or call 0800 780 717.
