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Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon says the airline’s Boeing 767-300ERs are likely to remain in the fleet longer than what had been initially planned to take advantage of new flying opportunities.
The airline is expected to end 2014/15 with five 767s, with the type projected to be fully withdrawn by the end of 2017/18 according to a slide presentation accompanying the airline’s first half results presented in February.
However, Luxon says the 767s may stick around beyond that to serve the Pacific Islands, Australia and some “fly and flop” outbound NZ destinations.
“It is a real option that we have and we probably will extend them I suspect just a couple more years,” Luxon told reporters on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual general meeting in Miami on Monday.
“That’s because at the moment our capacity growth in this last six months of this year is about 12 per cent and all of next year it will be around 11 per cent.
“So we are growing fast and we are growing profitably through creating this demand and then adding the supply and the capacity that we need.”
In addition to maintaining the 767s, Air NZ also had options for six more 787-9s beyond the confirmed order for 12 of the type due for delivery between now and the end of 2018/19.
Luxon said Air NZ’s three 787-9s currently in service had performed better than the airline’s own lofty expectations.
Glen Towler
says:If they are doing so well I wish they would cut there prices I haven’t flown with them to the US for many years as they so much more expensive than other airlines. I also think code sharing with Air India is not a great idea I have heard that not that great to fly with
Broderick
says:Great news but those 767’s are in desperate need of a refurb!
Greg
says:Still not a bad workhorse in the meantime!
Am sure the futher 787-9 options will be taken up!
John
says:Glen Towler … reason their fares seem high to you is they are making money, however, they are dumping seats across the tasman again. Right now Brisbane to Dunedin in ski season is form only AU$336 return including checked bag. Brisbane to Queenstown in ski season but coming home in September is from only AU$356 return including bag.
Peter Brown
says:The business class on these 767’s is ancient.. 6 across seating in a seat that was designed probably 15 years ago is really unacceptable today. I realize NZ had such a long wait for there 787s but now the decision to keep the 767s for a four more years is hard to swallow. You never know it could even show up as a replacement aircraft on the AKL to SIN route. Quite a difference from an SQ A380 or a refurbished 777-200 in biz class.. In contrast the economy class cabin of this aircraft is not as cramped as much more recent additions to the NZ fleet.
Ian Marston
says:Glen Towler… Myself and my son flew the last time to the U.S (SFO) back in 2008,from Adelaide and Air NZ had the best deal and quickest flight time, money save covered car hire for nearly two weeks. OK so we had to fly in an A320 from ADL to AUK thece B777 to SFO, good service and no complaints.
franz chong
says:These were my second time to New Zealand end of 1998/Start of 1999 the AIR NZ 767’s and I found the 7 across in Economy very pleasant.The alternative in those days and this was going over to Auckland was a United 747-400 back when they used to do Melbourne to LA VIA Auckland but earlier the same day.I am pleased I chose to steer clear of a US Carrier and went on NZ instead.I wonder what the configuration on the 777’s that run the same flight these days are like.