NZ announces big return to international market

Air New Zealand, Boeing, 777, Landing at Auckland International Airport, New Zealand, 25 December 2019

Air New Zealand flew the first wave of visa-waiving visitors into Auckland this morning as NZ makes steps toward re-opening to the world.

Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said yesterday that Flight NZ5, arriving from Los Angeles into Auckland at 5.45am today, will be packed with customers and excitement.

“We’ve got three flights arriving into Auckland on 2 May, which are filled to the brim with overseas visitors and returning Kiwis thrilled to land on New Zealand shores once again as they reconnect with family, start their studies or build their businesses,” Geraghty said.

“It’s great to have international tourists being able to visit our beautiful country again and explore everything Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.”

The three Air New Zealand flights that arrived today were NZ5 Los Angeles – Auckland at 5:45am, NZ7 San Francisco – Auckland at 6:10am, and NZ953 Nadi – Auckland will arrive at 5pm.

“Demand has exceeded expectations with many of our services filling up,” Geraghty said.

“We’re pleased with how bookings are going across the network, both domestic and international. This is welcome news for the New Zealand tourism industry who has weathered a difficult storm over the past 800 days.

“To help New Zealand’s tourism industry recover, we’re ramping up our network as quickly as we can – with Honolulu and Houston routes resuming on 4 July and 7 July, respectively.

“We’re also seeing great demand out of New Zealand as Kiwis book their long-awaited winter getaway, with popular destinations like Fiji and Honolulu being snapped up.”

Latest News

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]