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Air New Zealand declared on Wednesday night it was ‘warming up’ its engines as it prepared to resume recreational flights today.
The airline’s Twitter account said, “See you soon New Zealand” as the business issued guidance for passengers flying under lowered ‘Alert Level 2’ restrictions, which are now in effect.
Jacinda Ardern announced earlier this week that, from Thursday, Kiwis could travel around the country and meet friends and family for the first time in weeks. It marks an extraordinarily quick turnaround in the country’s battle against COVID-19, with Australia not set to follow until July.
Warming up our engines as we take more customers to the skies tomorrow ? See you soon New Zealand pic.twitter.com/RAs1foMKVv
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) May 13, 2020
However, the airline has warned passengers that the flying experience will be significantly different to before the pandemic began.
To encourage social distancing, every second self-service kiosk will be closed, floor markings will be in operation in queues and aircraft will fly at about 20 per cent capacity with the middle seat kept free.
Air New Zealand’s in-flight magazine, Kia Ora, won’t be available, while food and beverage and lounge access will remain suspended until 25 May.
The business’ general manager of customer experience, Nikki Goodman, said, “It would be appreciated if customers could exercise a bit of patience as everyone gets used to this new way of travelling.
“We’d also advise allowing a little more time to navigate through the airport process and be mindful of social distancing requirements. Customers should not travel if they are unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms – flights can be changed free of charge if needed.”
Air New Zealand has previously announced it will operate 32 routes during Alert Level 2, with the potential to add more depending on demand. The full list is below.
ALERT LEVEL TWO ANZ PROPOSED NETWORK
Auckland to/from
- Blenheim
- Dunedin
- Rotorua
- Christchurch
- Gisborne
- Kerikeri
- Napier
- Nelson
- New Plymouth
- Palmerston North
- Tauranga
- Wellington
- Whangarei
- Queenstown
Christchurch to/from
- Hamilton
- Hokitika
- Tauranga
- Dunedin
- Invercargill
- Nelson
- Palmerston North
- Wellington
- Queenstown
Wellington to/from
Janett
says:Go Kiwi,who ever said kiwis cant fly take another look. Proud to be a kiwi. Sending you all the Eastcoast wave
Ronald Spencer
says:Air New Zealand should start flying domestic in Australia
RRay Roach
says:Better you fly as kiwis cant drive
Jim
says:They tried when they bought Ansett.
gary
says:20% capacity ? I think you mean 70% capacity ?
What on earth is leaving a middle seat empty going to do ?
chris robey
says:If that 20 per cent of normal capacity figure is correct, then Air NZ’s domestic operation will need to be heavily subsidised by the NZ government. That would amount to a dozen or so pax in an ATR, perhaps three dozen in an A320. Would barely cover the cost of the fuel…
chris robey
says:If that 20 per cent of normal capacity figure is correct, that would amount to a dozen or so pax in an ATR, perhaps three dozen in an A320. Would barely cover the cost of the fuel. Presumably the NZ govt will be heavily subsidising these flights…
TonyE
says:Is this Australian Aviation or NZ Aviation?
You seem to be fascinated with all things NZ.
Who came up wit Air NZ being best in the world, when they buried a DC8 and a DC 10 killing all on board. Their Sydney International lounge is filthy and their cabin service pedestrian.
Proud Kiwi
says:You must be an Australian of limited intelligence to bring up Erebus!! Are you an angry person with a grudge ……..?
I can recall an airline that had several near mid air near disasters not too many years ago.!
Cheer up you will be out of lock down in a few more weeks and you can get some fresh air to clear your head!
Proud Kiwi
says:Sounds like sour grapes to me.
After reading Qantas in flight incidents on net I will take my chances with Air NZ.
Ronald Spencer
says:Come to Australia we need a new domestic airline and there will be a few unwanted planes here for you to purchase cheaply
Dave
says:Why trash an existing Airlines infrastructure and put over ten thousand people out of work just because its previous management failed to control costs? Have a heart and think more reasonably before you write. A new airline would take years to provide a viable competition to Qantas condemning the public to much higher fares and impacting regional Australia in particlar.
Michael
says:middle seat empty does nothing ? Who thought up this silly idea ?
Marum
says:Being very conservative by nature, I hope no one ends up with egg on their face by acting prematurely.
You know the saying about; “Old bold pilots”? Well, that also may apply to politicians.
Regards….Marum.
John Day
says:Could Air New Zealand give us a brief example of seat numbers to be used. Their description of how they intent to use the aircraft does not seem to be very explicit. John.
Paul Wallace
says:Tonye your a blonker.
Qantas has come very close to having a major accident on more than one occasion
Thank god this has never happened.
Air New Zealand is a very well run airline.