
Air New Zealand Expands Long-Haul Flight Options for Upcoming Southern Hemisphere Summer
Air New Zealand enhances long-haul travel options with an increase in available seats and newly retrofitted aircraft for the 2025-2026 summer season.
Air New Zealand is turning up the volume on long-haul travel from October 2025 to March 2026.
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 in up to seven newly retrofitted 787 Dreamliners into service by the end of the year, offering a completely refreshed inflight experience.
Overall, Air New Zealand will operate 8% more seats to the United States and Canada compared to the previous year, including a 15% increase in premium seating.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien remarked that New Zealanders’ desire for travel is strong, and international visitor demand continues to grow. He noted:
“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.”
More flights for those heading to North America
Customers heading to the United States and Canada will see additional flights added to key routes:
- Auckland to Los Angeles: 11 to 12 flights per week, adding nearly 24,000 more seats.
- Auckland to Houston: Returns stronger with an additional 4,500 seats between January and March.
- Auckland to Vancouver: Up to seven services per week, increasing premium seating by 25%.
- Auckland to San Francisco: 1,800 additional seats and 2,700 more premium seats.
Increasing capacity in Asia
Air New Zealand is enhancing its capacity to Asia with more flights:
- Auckland to Taipei: Expands to four flights per week, adding 11,800 seats.
- Auckland to Bali: A 49% increase in premium seating, with an additional 2,400 premium seats.
- Auckland to Hong Kong: A 28% rise in premium seats.
- Auckland to Shanghai: 35% more premium seats compared to last year.