Air New Zealand has revealed updates to its capacity and network this Southern Hemisphere summer, with the confirmed return of two routes, an extended pause on another, and additional capacity into key markets.

The airline will make a welcome return to Hobart and Seoul in October 2024 after both were paused over the New Zealand winter period.

Both the Auckland to Hobart and Auckland to Seoul routes will be seasonal services, with Air New Zealand operating three direct flights a week to each destination over the summer months from October to March.

The airline will also be expanding its capacity on key Asian routes, with Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei all seeing increases in seat numbers on offer between November 2024 and March 2025 as a result of the introduction of Air New Zealand’s larger 777-300 aircraft on these routes.

The increase includes a higher proportion of premium seats, giving customers more opportunities to travel with extra space and comfort.

The 777-300 aircraft also has a 30 percent higher cargo capability than the 787 aircraft they replace, which will provide a welcome boost for exporters to these markets and beyond.

While Air New Zealand is returning to routes and increasing some capacity, aircraft availability limitations due to ongoing engine challenges mean it has had to extend the pause to its Chicago service which was due to resume from October 2024.

Air New Zealand General Manager Long Haul, Scott Carr, said it was a tough decision, but one that meant the airline could return to key destinations on its network and assure customers’ travel plans on other routes.

“Unfortunately, ongoing challenges with the availability of Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines on our 787-9 aircraft means we haven’t been able to return to our Chicago route in October as expected,” he said.

“We anticipate returning to Chicago when we receive our new 787 aircraft from Boeing, currently expected in the second half of 2025.

“While we know this news of a further pause will be disappointing for customers with travel plans to Chicago, there are still plenty of options to travel to the city with a stopover in another US port.

“Our premium cabins are incredibly popular with customers travelling to and from destinations like Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei, so we’re excited to introduce increased capacity from November to give those customers more seats to book travel.

“We’re committed to connecting New Zealand with the world and these schedule changes mean we can continue to do that.”