Air New Zealand reports mixed November performance, boosts domestic capacity

Air New Zealand experienced a 3.5% decrease in group capacity in November 2025 compared to the previous year, primarily due to a 12.1% fall in long haul ASKs ahead of scheduled maintenance. Despite this, short haul international capacity grew by 12.2%, driven by two new A321 aircraft. Year-to-date, group underlying RASK (excluding foreign currency impact) improved by 1.8%. However, short haul YTD RASK (excluding foreign currency impact), encompassing domestic, Tasman, and Pacific Islands, was down 1.9%, while long haul YTD RASK (excluding foreign currency impact) rose by 4.4%.

In an effort to strengthen regional connectivity, Air New Zealand announced an increase in domestic capacity from March to October 2026. Key routes seeing uplift include Auckland-Queenstown (up 9%), Auckland-Christchurch (up 4%), and Christchurch-Hamilton (up 17%).

Additionally, Air New Zealand has opened The Lookout Lounge at Auckland International Airport to provide extra capacity ahead of major Koru Lounge redevelopments in 2026. The airline also confirmed an interline partnership with Air Chathams, effective March 24, 2026, to offer seamless travel for passengers from the Eastern Bay of Plenty.