Media Releases - 2004

The new state of the art V2500 facility operated by the Christchurch Engine Centre, an Air New Zealand and Pratt & Whitney joint venture, was officially opened at a function in Christchurch today.

Air New Zealand has been named Best Long Haul Airline in the seventh annual Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers Awards.

From tomorrow over 180,000 Australian members of Air New Zealand's Airpoints frequent flyer program are set to find an answer to the perennial airline loyalty scheme problem of not being able to use their points when they want.

A second television commercial as part of Air New Zealand's new multi-million dollar Australian marketing campaign hits screens this week, with the airline's front-man, Peter FitzSimons tackling the sights and attractions of cosmopolitan New Zealand.

Air New Zealand today announced that the airline will extend the level of interest it currently has in the Christchurch Engine Centre’s V2500 maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility - a joint venture partnership with Pratt & Whitney from ten to 49 percent in a deal worth US $7.8 million. Further future investment in the joint venture is expected to occur as the business develops and grows.

Air New Zealand Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Norris said today with added air capacity, lower airfares and joint promotion New Zealand could be grown into one of WA’s biggest tourist markets over the next few years.

Air New Zealand's new direct service between Christchurch and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands takes off for the first time tomorrow.

Travelling with Air New Zealand will be easier than ever for the airline's Airpoints frequent flyer members from 16 November 2004.

At a special function in Christchurch this morning, Air New Zealand announced that from November 2 it will commence the first ever non-stop flights between Christchurch and Los Angeles.

Air New Zealand has today reduced Economy and Business Class airfares and holiday packages to Pacific Island destinations by up to 25%.

Air New Zealand today reassured customers travelling through Auckland tomorrow that it will be making every effort to ensure their journeys are not delayed by industrial action.

Air New Zealand today expressed its disappointment with the decision by the New Zealand High Court to decline the appeal by Air New Zealand and Qantas against the New Zealand Commerce Commission's original decision to disallow the two airlines' application to form a strategic alliance.

Air New Zealand today announced the selection of Wanganui firm Tasman Tanning to supply the luxurious leather covers for the airline's new premium class lie-flat beds to be fitted in its international long haul aircraft.

In response to escalating fuel prices, Air New Zealand has today announced it will increase its fuel surcharge on airfares sold from September 2 onward.

Lower airfares from Air New Zealand's domestic Express Class have delivered multi-million dollar benefits to the New Zealand economy.

Air New Zealand has today announced that it will commence a new direct service from Wellington to Nadi, Fiji from 20 November 2004.

San Francisco officially becomes Air New Zealand's 21st international destination with the airline's first service taking flight at 6.50pm this evening.

Air New Zealand will implement a surcharge on airfares sold from May 17 onward as a result of a significant rise in the cost of aviation fuel and the rapidly depreciating New Zealand dollar.

Air New Zealand today announced it has appointed leading New Zealand fashion designer Zambesi to create its new uniforms for cabin crew, pilots, frontline ground staff and Travelcentre staff.

Air New Zealand today welcomed the Employment Court's ruling on its drug and alcohol policy.

Air New Zealand's seventh A320 aircraft arrives in Auckland tomorrow evening, marking the completion of the airline's initial round of scheduled deliveries from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. No further deliveries are planned until September 2004 with the 15th aircraft scheduled to arrive early 2006.

Wanaka's new regular air service touched down at Wanaka Airport for the first time today, with the arrival of Air New Zealand's inaugural flight from Christchurch.

Air New Zealand today announced a Net Profit Before Unusuals and Tax of $149 million for the six month period ended December 31, 2003. This was up 7.4% ($10 million) on the previous period.

Passengers going to the USA have been given another option today with Air New Zealand's announcement that it will commence non-stop flights between Auckland and San Francisco from 30 June.