Air New Zealand group capacity to grow 4% to 6% in 2017

Air New Zealand released (25-Aug-2016) its capacity outlook for FY2017, with group capacity expected to grow 4% to 6%:

Domestic market:

• Competition: Expect similar competitive environment to 2016;
• Air New Zealand 2017 capacity expectations: +7% to 9%;
• • Continued upgauge for regional routes and increased frequency on select trunk routes;
  • Additional Queenstown night flights.

Tasman & Pacific Islands:

• Competition: Expect competitive pressure to persist in 2017;
• Air New Zealand 2017 capacity expectations: +3% to 5%;
• • Upgauge related to Boeing 787 replacement of Boeing 767s.

International long haul:

• Competition: Expect competitive pressure to increase in 2017;
• • Full year impact of direct competition on Auckland-Los Angeles;
  • New services from Chinese and Middle Eastern carriers;
• Air New Zealand 2017 capacity expectations: +4% to 6%;
• • Annualisation of Houston and Buenos Aires routes;
  • Increased Asian capacity during peak period;
  • Commencement of Osaka seasonal service. [more - original PR]