Air New Zealand is adding an additional flight between Auckland and Samoa to assist the tsunami relief effort on Saturday.
General Manager Airline Operations David Morgan says the Boeing 767 will have the ability to carry 223 passengers and up to seven tonnes of cargo.
"We have been working closely with New Zealand and Samoan Government officials, Samoan communities and organisations providing emergency aid to understand their needs. While the assistance we have already provided by upgauging a flight yesterday and one today to larger aircraft has been of great assistance, it is rapidly becoming clear that a lot of people and aid will need to move between New Zealand and Samoa on Saturday as the full extent of the devastation becomes clearer," Mr Morgan says.
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