Air New Zealand has announced an order for two Airbus A321neo and two ATR 72-600 aircraft, citing high travel demand.
The ATR 72-600, to be deployed on the airline’s regional routes, were ordered in response to high demand, according to Air New Zealand’s announcement. The pair of turboprops will boost its’ regional network capacity by more than 5,700 seats weekly.
Meanwhile, the pair of Airbus A321neos, joining the airline’s fleet from late 2024, will be delivered on a 12-year lease. The two narrow-body jets will add more than 9,000 seats weekly and ensure “the airline has more capacity across the Tasman than any other airline, giving customers great choice at competitive prices”.
“Flying continues to be in high demand, both here and around the world and it means prices have been higher than usual,” said Greg Foran, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air New Zealand. “The most effective thing we can do to help customers is to welcome more aircraft into our fleet and put more seats in the sky.”
However, in a statement similar to that made during the airline’s FY2023 results announcement, Foran emphasized that costs “continue to rise significantly in many areas, and the reality is that airfares are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels”.
“Our customers have supported us as we’ve rebuilt Air New Zealand and we know it’s important to offer a range of fares that are accessible to all New Zealanders,” the CEO added.
According to the airline, in addition to the four aircraft, 16 more will join its fleet between 2024 and 2028. This includes eight Boeing 787, six Airbus A321neo, and two ATR 72-600. Another Boeing 777-300ER is also expected to join Air New Zealand’s fleet on lease, but the airline said it will provide more details about the aircraft “soon”.
In total, Air New Zealand has 107 aircraft in its fleet consisting of 17 Airbus A320, six A320neo, 10 A321neo, 29 ATR 72-600, seven Boeing 777-300ER, 14 787-9, and 23 De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q300 aircraft.