Two brand new aircraft are en route to Aotearoa as Air New Zealand prepares to welcome the latest additions to its narrowbody fleet. The first of the new Airbus A321neo jets is expected to touch down in Auckland at 6.45pm tomorrow, Wednesday 4 June.
Departing from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, each aircraft is completing a 19,342 kilometre journey to New Zealand, with stopovers in Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, and Cairns.
Configured for trans-Tasman and Pacific island routes, the A321neo seats 214 passengers and features the latest innovations in narrowbody jet technology. With enhanced fuel efficiency and greater capacity, the aircraft marks a significant step forward for the airline’s international short-haul operations.
This news comes hot on the heels of the airline’s newly retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliners taking to the skies, and follows the announcement of a new jet service connecting Hamilton and Christchurch – all part of the airline’s ongoing investment in its network.
The first aircraft, ZK-NNH, is scheduled to enter service in the coming weeks. The second A321neo is expected to arrive in Aotearoa later in June. Once operational, the two aircraft will add approximately 70,000 seats annually to Air New Zealand’s network.
Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, says the arrival signals strong forward momentum for the airline.
“These new A321neo are a clear sign we’re investing for the future – boosting our international network and delivering more choice for customers,” said O’Brien. “It’s about doing what we do best: connecting Kiwi to the world and bringing visitors to our shores.
“We’re eagerly anticipating getting these aircraft in the skies. We can’t wait to share more soon about where they will be flying. Watch this airspace.”
Aviation enthusiasts can expect a sleek new silhouette on the tarmac as the aircraft lands. With their arrival, Air New Zealand’s internationally configured A321neo fleet will grow to nine aircraft.
