Air New Zealand has rolled out a major trans-Tasman expansion for summer, releasing over 1.7 million seats in what amounts to one of its one of its biggest seasonal boosts to date. The substantial seat injection caters directly to surging holiday travel demand between Australia and New Zealand, especially crucial during peak leisure months.
Flights will increase significantly from December through February, with the airline confirming up to 380 flights per week. This boost represents a major recovery milestone for Air New Zealand’s Tasman operations, responding to steady growth in leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel.
Where the extra flights are landing
Air New Zealand will operate up to 380 weekly trans-Tasman flights this summer. Here’s how the seat increases stack up on key routes:
- Auckland-Perth: Nearly 30,000 additional seats (+29%), with flights increasing from daily to nine per week.
- Auckland-Sydney: 25,000 extra seats (+20%), including 7,500 premium, with up to 13 widebody services weekly.
- Auckland-Melbourne: 16,000 more seats and up to 13 weekly widebody services.
- Auckland-Brisbane: 18,400 additional seats with daily widebody services and more during peak.
- Auckland-Gold Coast: 8,500 extra seats (+12%) with 11 weekly services.
- Queenstown–Sydney: 9,600 extra seats (+26%) as frequency jumps from daily to nine per week.
- Christchurch–Melbourne: 9,500 additional seats (+14%) across more than 400 flights.
By destination, here’s the weekly return frequency breakdown:
- Sydney: Up to 135 flights across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
- Melbourne: Up to 98 flights across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
- Brisbane: Up to 74 flights across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
- Gold Coast: Up to 24 flights across Auckland and Christchurch.
- Perth: Up to 10 flights (including seasonal Auckland service), up 40% from last summer.
- Adelaide: Up to 7 flights to Auckland
- Sunshine Coast: Up to 4 flights to Auckland
- Hobart: Up to 3 flights to Auckland
Why now: the demand behind the drop
The airline’s decision follows significant growth in passenger numbers during the past year, fuelled by strong demand for trans-Tasman leisure travel and increased visits among friends and relatives.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty highlighted this surge, explaining, “The Tasman continues to rebound strongly, driven largely by leisure travellers reconnecting with family and friends, as well as Australians seeking holiday experiences in New Zealand.”
Geraghty further noted the importance of early planning, advising agents and travellers alike to secure seats promptly due to expected high demand.
“Given the popularity of these routes during peak travel periods, early booking is highly recommended to secure the best options.”
What’s flying: aircraft and frequency updates
To accommodate this substantial lift in frequency, Air New Zealand is deploying additional aircraft to its Tasman fleet, including Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The A321neo is particularly suited to high-frequency short-haul routes, offering both efficiency and passenger comfort.
The inclusion of the larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on selected peak-time flights will provide extra capacity and comfort for travellers, particularly during December’s busy holiday weeks. The Dreamliner’s premium cabins also appeal to higher-yield passengers seeking enhanced comfort and amenities on shorter flights.
What this means for travel agents
The expansion represents both opportunities and considerations for travel professionals. Increased availability on key routes provides agents with more flexibility in securing seats for clients, particularly those planning family visits or holiday breaks.
Agents will also benefit from early bookings, potentially enhancing yield and optimising commissions during this peak period. However, managing client expectations regarding availability and pricing during high-demand windows will be essential.
Air New Zealand’s proactive stance in promoting early reservations signals the importance of prompt communication between agents and their clients, particularly around securing preferred dates and times.
Bigger picture: Air New Zealand’s Tasman strategy
This substantial increase in Tasman capacity aligns with Air New Zealand’s broader strategic goals, aiming to reinforce its position as a preferred carrier between Australia and New Zealand.
By responding effectively to heightened seasonal demand, the airline continues to solidify relationships with leisure and VFR segments, building long-term brand loyalty among frequent trans-Tasman travellers.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Air New Zealand’s substantial summer capacity boost across the Tasman offers timely opportunities for travel agents to secure early bookings, manage client expectations effectively, and optimise yield in a fiercely competitive market.
