Air NZ to start flights to new Western Sydney airport by mid-2027
Western Sydney International Airport.
Photo:
Western Sydney Airport
Air New Zealand has penned an agreement to start flights to the new
Western Sydney International Airport
from mid-2027.
It will become the first trans-Tasman airline to sign up for flights to the new airport, due to open in early 2026.
The initial route will connect Auckland and Western Sydney, but is subject to aircraft availability.
The airline said the new route would complement Air New Zealand's existing services to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the airport "represents an exciting step forward" for Australia's aviation sector.
"We're delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow," he said.
As opposed to Kingsford Smith Airport, Western Sydney International Airport would operate 24-hours a day without curfews.
WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said "this new strategic partnership, supported by the Western Sydney International Take-off Fund, will connect one of Australia's most diverse and fastest growing regions - Western Sydney - with New Zealand's largest city and main holiday gateway."
The Take-Off Fund is a New South Wales state government initiative which offers incentives such as cost-offsetting, marketing and operational support to encourage airlines to create new routes to the airport.
The state's Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper, said the airport was "getting ready for take-off".
"This is the first new route secured through the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, and a route that I am sure will no doubt be very popular," Kamper said.
Air New Zealand recently launched a Christchurch-Adelaide route as part of its Tasman growth strategy.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Techday NZ
11 hours ago
- Techday NZ
Evergreen acquires REDD, celebrates $1 billion revenue milestone
Evergreen has reached its 100th managed IT services provider acquisition milestone with the addition of REDD, an Australia-based business, to its Lyra Technology Group portfolio. REDD, headquartered in Brisbane, will continue to operate independently as part of Lyra Technology Group, Evergreen's collection of managed IT services providers. The company was established in 2016 by Nigel Heyn, and under the leadership of Heyn and Chief Executive Officer Brad Ferris, REDD has grown through a focus on technical expertise and business management. Brad Ferris will remain CEO, and the business will retain its existing operations, following the model Evergreen applies in its portfolio which prioritises decentralisation. Global expansion Evergreen currently operates in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is exploring expansion into Ireland as well as the Nordic and Benelux regions. Details of the acquisition were not disclosed by either party. Craig Fulton, M&A Advisor at Evergreen, commented: "Nigel and Brad's leadership and values align closely with Evergreen's long-term vision. In becoming part of the Evergreen network, REDD is positioning itself for continued success while contributing valuable insights to peers across the portfolio." Ferris provided his perspective on the development, saying, "REDD has always been built on a commitment to exceptional service, strong relationships, and a culture that puts people first. That doesn't change. What excites us about joining Evergreen and Lyra is the opportunity to stay true to who we are while being bolstered by a global network of like-minded businesses. This partnership enhances our ability to deliver for our clients, share best practices, and tap into a deep pool of expertise — all while preserving the team, culture, and values that make REDD unique." Financial milestone and recognition Evergreen has also been recognised as the first Pax8 partner to generate over $1 billion in IT services revenue. In addition, last month Evergreen Vice President Sydney Hockett was named to CRN's Women of the Channel list. The company recently hosted its first Evergreen Elevate event, designed as a free opportunity for managed service providers to obtain strategic insights relating to exit strategies. Ramsey Sahyoun, Co-Founder and M&A Partner at Evergreen, said, "When we started this company seven years ago, we hoped to replicate the Berkshire Hathaway model and build the best home for MSPs. I'm proud that we've stayed committed to that vision, to our decentralized operating model, and to our permanent hold strategy. It's been a rewarding journey, and we are grateful for the MSP business owners that have trusted us with their companies." Stakeholder and partner perspectives Lloyd Wolf, Founder and former CEO of Wolf Consulting, which was the first managed IT services provider acquired by Evergreen in December 2017, commented on his experience: "Selling the ownership of my business was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I first met Jeff Totten, CEO of Evergreen, in the fall of 2017. He shared with me his vision of building the best home for businesses and their leaders, retaining our employees and taking care of them, and investing in continued future growth – all while operating in a decentralized model that would allow the business to maintain its culture and independence. This approach and model were very different from any other buyer I had met. I was excited that I had found the permanent home for my business and employees. Since then, Evergreen and Lyra Technology Group have truly executed the vision Jeff originally shared with me. From Wolf Consulting to REDD, I couldn't be more proud of Evergreen's and Lyra's growth and success." Lane Brannan, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Americas, at Pax8, also congratulated the business: "It's been impressive to witness the growth and revenue milestones Evergreen and Lyra have achieved over the last few years. While obtaining a billion dollars of revenue is an impressive achievement alone, it also signals the critical role and impact MSPs have in driving technology adoption within the SMB market. We look forward to fueling our strong partnership with Lyra and congratulate them on this significant milestone." Evergreen continues to emphasise its practice of a permanent hold strategy and a decentralised operating model in the managed IT services sector, as it further expands its international presence and portfolio. Follow us on: Share on:
RNZ News
14 hours ago
- RNZ News
Monash IVF CEO Michael Knaap resigns after second embryo bungle
Photo: 123rf Monash IVF chief executive officer Michael Knaap has resigned following the reveal of a second embryo bungle. In a statement to the ASX, Monash IVF said its board had accepted Mr Knaap's resignation and "respects his decision". "Since his appointment in 2019, Michael has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformation, and we thank him for his years of dedicated service," the statement said. Monash IVF revealed on Tuesday that it had incorrectly transferred the wrong embryo to a patient - the second incident the company has apologised for in recent months. The patient's own embryo was used instead of their partner's, which was "contrary to the treatment plan", the company said on Tuesday. It comes two months after the company revealed a Brisbane patient was mistakenly implanted with another patient's embryo. The woman gave birth to a baby who had no genetic link to her later that year, which the ABC understands happened in 2023. Knaap was also the managing the director of Monash IVF Group and had led the organisation since 2013. Chief financial officer and company secretary Malik Jainudeen has been appointed as acting CEO. -This story was first published by the ABC.
RNZ News
16 hours ago
- RNZ News
Judith Collins says possible AUKUS security pact review not for NZ to comment on
Defence Minister Judith Collins Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi The Defence Minister says there's no reason for New Zealand to comment on reports the Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS defence alliance. A US defence official told Reuters the review was part of ensuring the security pact was aligned with the President's America First agenda. The strategic pact between the US, UK and Australia had long been a talking point in New Zealand, with consecutive governments pondering whether to join parts of the alliance. AUKUS was formed in 2021 to address shared worries about China's growing power. Under the pact, Australia would be armed with nuclear submarines at a cost of A$350 billion (NZ$377 billion). In a statement, Defence Minister Judith Collins said the US review was about AUKUS Pillar One, which New Zealand had never been a part of. New Zealand has had ongoing discussions about joining Pillar Two of the alliance, but any decisions on whether to join Pillar Two would be a matter for Cabinet, Collins said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has not received any reports or advice on what the Trump Administration reviewing the AUKUS security pact might mean for New Zealand. Luxon told RNZ he was not concerned the review could spell the end for Pillar Two "It's been left very open-ended. We're exploring Pillar Two - it's been to be honest quite slow going. "We are yet to be invited to partipate in Pillar Two." Luxon said the review was for Australia, the US, and the UK to work through. Australia was last week told by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly boost its defence spending. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would not be dictated to on defence spending. He he noted Australia's defence spending was already set to increase from 2 percent to 2.3 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next eight years. New Zealand had also come under pressure from the Trump administration this year for to up defence spending to 2 percent of GDP. Foreign Minister Winston Peters previously said New Zealand's trading partners would judge us if we did not "step up" and play our role by increasing defence spending.
