From Monday, April 19, Air New Zealand will be ramping up flights between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown and eight of its Australian ports. But we knew that two weeks ago didn’t we?
After a year of anticipation, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has today finally given us the magical date we’ve all been waiting for.
Though, many are saying Air New Zealand gave us all a sneaky clue when they loaded their new trans-Tasman schedule a fortnight ago starting from April 19. Hmm?
But whatever! Dig out and dust off your passports folks, because, from Monday, April 19 quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel will begin from Australia to New Zealand.
Air New Zealand says it has been preparing for a trans-Tasman bubble for a few months now, bringing furloughed crew back onboard and ensuring they are up to speed with training, along with making sure its international airports and lounges are ready for the influx of customers.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the airline is incredibly excited to have the border reopen to our Aussie neighbours.
“This is terrific news. I know Kiwis and Australians have been wanting to reconnect with whānau and friends for a year now and we’re incredibly excited to be playing a part in those reunions.
“I’ll certainly be digging out my passport for the first time since I joined the airline to head across the ditch to see my family and I’m especially looking forward to meeting some of my grandchildren for the first time.
Greg Foran, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer
“Our people have shown incredible agility of the past 12 months as things have changed at an unbelievable pace. I’ve spoken to several our front-line staff who are thrilled to show our customers the world-class Air New Zealand customer service once again.
“We’d like to say a huge thanks to New Zealanders for standing by us while we’ve mainly been a domestic business for the past year. I’m extremely proud to say that we’ve got one of the most robust domestic businesses of any airline around the world. We look forward to being able to extend that across the Tasman.”
Air New Zealand trans-Tasman flights are on sale now with the following schedule
| Auckland | Start date | Frequency |
| Brisbane | 19 April | 1-2 flights per day |
| Melbourne | 19 April | 1-3 flights per day |
| Sydney | 19 April | 3-5 flights per day |
| Perth | 19 April (subject to approval) | 6-7 flights per week |
| Gold Coast | 19 April | 6-7 flights per week |
| Adelaide | 5 May | 3-4 flights per week |
| Sunshine Coast | 28 June | 3 flights per week |
| Cairns | 29 June | 3 flights per week |
| Hobart | TBC | 2 flights per week |
| Wellington | Start date | Frequency |
| Brisbane | 19 April | 3-5 flights per week |
| Melbourne | 19 April | 4-6 flights per week |
| Sydney | 19 April | 6-10 flights per week |
| Christchurch | Start date | Frequency |
| Brisbane | 19 April | 5-7 flights per week |
| Melbourne | 19 April | 6-7 flights per week |
| Sydney | 19 April | 7-11 flights per week |
| Gold Coast | 24 April | 1-3 flights per week |
| Queenstown | Start date | Frequency |
| Melbourne | 19 April | 3-5 flights per week |
| Sydney | 19 April | 4-7 flights per week |
| Brisbane | 5 May | 3 flights per week |
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“Pre-COVID-19, Australia was the largest tourism market for both our airline and New Zealand. We know a lot of tourism operators have been feeling the lack of international visitors so we’re looking forward to playing a role in New Zealand’s recovery.” Said Mr Foran.
“Using the strength of our domestic network we’ll be able to connect Australians with more destinations around the country. With the rest of the world still out of reach, New Zealand offers landscapes and experiences that are up there with the world’s best attractions.” He continued.
Find out more at www.airnewzealand.com.au