Latest news with #JeremyO'Brien
West Australian
24-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Air New Zealand adds major seat boost across short-haul routes from Australia for summer
A summer break to Aotearoa just got more accessible, with Air New Zealand adding close to 30 per cent more flights on its Perth-Auckland route. The airline has upped its capacity from October to March 2026 for short-haul routes across the Tasman and to the Pacific islands, with a total of 1.7 million seats ready to be filled. For the Perth-Auckland route alone, Air New Zealand is offering an extra 30,000 seats as it increases from seven to nine flights per week over the summer months. The boost from the largest trans-Tasman carrier also involves the deployment of more wide-body aircraft on key routes, 8 per cent more premium seats and enhanced availability to connect travellers from Auckland to the Pacific islands. Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Jeremy O'Brien says more aircraft are in service than ever before to meet demand from guests venturing across the ditch. 'This isn't just about flying more often. It's about giving our customers better options, more comfort, and more reasons to choose Air New Zealand,' Mr O'Brien says. 'We're expanding our premium offering and strengthening our network across the Tasman and onto the Pacific. 'Air New Zealand has a proud 85-year history of flying across the Tasman — our first flight to Sydney took off in 1940 and we're incredibly proud of that longevity. Our commitment to keeping Australians connected to Aotearoa is as strong as ever.'
Otago Daily Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Air NZ ramps up capacity on Australia, Pacific flights
Air NZ plans to add 130,000 seats between New Zealand and Australia between October and March. Photo: Supplied / Air New Zealand Air New Zealand is ramping up capacity on trans-Tasman and Pacific flights for the peak summer travel season in response to demand and aircraft returning to service. The airline said between October and March, it would add 130,000 seats between New Zealand and Australia, and 25,000 seats to the Pacific. It would add 8 percent more premium seats on its short-haul network, and have up to 42 flights every week on wide-body jets to Australia. Its chief commercial officer Jeremy O'Brien said the move was in response to growing demand. "With more aircraft back in service and demand heating up, we're stepping up our services across the Tasman," O'Brien said. "This isn't just about flying more often. It's about giving our customers better options, more comfort, and more reasons to choose Air New Zealand." The airline had been plagued by aircraft needing additional maintenance for more than a year. The biggest beneficiary appeared to be its Auckland to Perth service, with nearly 30,000 additional seats and flights increasing from daily to nine per week. Air New Zealand said it was also adding 25,000 seats to Auckland to Sydney, 16,000 between Auckland and Melbourne, 18,400 between Auckland and Brisbane, and 8500 between Auckland and the Gold Coast. It would also add 9600 seats between Queenstown and Sydney, and 9500 between Christchurch and Melbourne. In the Pacific, the airline would add more seats between Auckland and Rarotonga, Nadi and Papeete.
Otago Daily Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Air NZ ramps up capacity to Australia and Pacific
Air NZ plans to add 130,000 seats between New Zealand and Australia between October and March. Photo: Supplied / Air New Zealand Air New Zealand is ramping up capacity on trans-Tasman and Pacific flights for the peak summer travel season in response to demand and aircraft returning to service. The airline said between October and March, it would add 130,000 seats between New Zealand and Australia, and 25,000 seats to the Pacific. It would add 8 percent more premium seats on its short-haul network, and have up to 42 flights every week on wide-body jets to Australia. Its chief commercial officer Jeremy O'Brien said the move was in response to growing demand. "With more aircraft back in service and demand heating up, we're stepping up our services across the Tasman," O'Brien said. "This isn't just about flying more often. It's about giving our customers better options, more comfort, and more reasons to choose Air New Zealand." The airline had been plagued by aircraft needing additional maintenance for more than a year. The biggest beneficiary appeared to be its Auckland to Perth service, with nearly 30,000 additional seats and flights increasing from daily to nine per week. Air New Zealand said it was also adding 25,000 seats to Auckland to Sydney, 16,000 between Auckland and Melbourne, 18,400 between Auckland and Brisbane, and 8500 between Auckland and the Gold Coast. It would also add 9600 seats between Queenstown and Sydney, and 9500 between Christchurch and Melbourne. In the Pacific, the airline would add more seats between Auckland and Rarotonga, Nadi and Papeete.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taking On The Tasman: 1.7 Million Air New Zealand Seats Up For Grabs Across The Ditch This Summer
Air New Zealand is cranking up the capacity on its short haul routes, announcing an increase in seats across the Tasman and to the Pacific Islands. Between October 2025 and March 2026, the airline will operate 1.7 million seats between New Zealand and Australia cementing its position as the largest trans-Tasman carrier. The airline is adding 130,000 seats as a result of increased flight frequencies and the deployment of more widebody aircraft on key routes. There will also be an uplift in premium seating to meet strong demand from both business and leisure travellers. Additionally, the airline will add over 25,000 extra seats to the Pacific Islands this summer, supporting continued growth and connectivity across the region. Across the season, Air New Zealand will add 8% more premium seats on its short haul network and it will have up to 42 flights each week on widebody jets to Australia. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O'Brien says with demand growing, Air New Zealand is upping the ante across the Tasman. 'With more aircraft back in service and demand heating up, we're stepping up our services across the Tasman. This isn't just about flying more often. It's about giving our customers better options, more comfort, and more reasons to choose Air New Zealand. We're expanding our premium offering and strengthening our network across both Australia and the Pacific. 'Air New Zealand has a proud 85-year history of flying across the Tasman – our first flight to Sydney took off in 1940 and we're incredibly proud of that longevity. Our commitment to keeping New Zealand and Australia connected is as strong as ever. 'We're excited to see our new Christchurch–Adelaide route take off later this year, add 30,000 seats on our Auckland-Perth route, celebrate 30 years of flying directly between Queenstown and Sydney in July, and to keep delivering the uniquely Kiwi experience our customers love – on both sides of the ditch.' Key highlights across the Tasman: · Auckland–Perth: Nearly 30,000 additional seats, adding 29% capacity and increasing from daily flights to nine services per week. · Auckland-Sydney: An additional 25,000 seats including 7,500 premium seats, up 20% with up to 13 widebody services per week. · Auckland-Melbourne: 16,000 seats to be added, including up to 13 widebody services per week. · Auckland-Brisbane: An additional 18,400 seats added with daily widebody flights and increase in services during peak periods. · Auckland-Gold Coast: A 12% increase in seats, adding 8,500 seats across the season with 11 weekly services over summer. · Queenstown-Sydney: Celebrating 30 years of direct connection with a 26% increase of 9,600 seats, going from daily to nine flights a week over the December-February period. · Christchurch-Melbourne: A 14% increase, adding 9,500 seats with more than 400 flights between the cities across the season. Key highlights to the Pacific Islands: · Auckland-Rarotonga: An additional 8,000 seats, with between 11 and 12 weekly services over peak summer period. · Auckland-Nadi: 8,600 seats added, with up to 11 flights per week. · Auckland-Papeete: An additional 1,600 additional seats, with a 37% increase in premium seating due to strong demand.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Air New Zealand Boosts Long Haul Travel With More Premium And North America Seats This Summer
Air New Zealand is turning up the volume on long haul travel from October 2025 to March 2026, with more choice and comfort on key international routes. Customers travelling to North America will have access to more than 34,000 additional seats, alongside a boost of 20,500 premium seats across the wider long haul network. The airline is also bringing up to seven newly retrofitted 787 Dreamliners into service by the end of the year, offering a completely refreshed inflight experience from nose to tail. Overall, the airline will operate 8% more seats to the United States and Canada compared to the previous year, including a 15% increase in premium seating. With premium demand continuing to rise, Air New Zealand is delivering, with an additional 4,300 premium seats on Asia services alone. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O'Brien says New Zealanders' desire for travel is strong, and international visitor demand continues to grow. 'We're seeing strong demand, including growing popularity of our premium cabins. Customers want a more comfortable and seamless experience, and we are responding by increasing premium availability and growing flight frequencies across our long haul network. 'As we move through the year, more of our newly retrofitted 787 aircraft will enter service, bringing a refreshed experience to destinations such as San Francisco, Honolulu, Vancouver, and Shanghai. The feedback so far has been fantastic, with customers loving the new seating — particularly the additional space and comfort in premium cabins. "With strong summer demand on the horizon, we are pleased to be offering even more options to our customers, whether they are travelling for business, leisure, or reconnecting with friends and whānau.'
