AIR New Zealand will partner with Spanish charter airline, Wamos Air, to enhance services to the Pacific during the Christmas and Easter periods.
Wamos will operate select services to including Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tokyo, and Bali for New Zealand’s international carrier whose fleet has been affected by engine supply issues.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O’Brien, said the move aimed to instill customer confidence in their service.
“This is a proactive measure we’ve taken to protect our customers’ journeys over the summer period. This partnership means we have some additional flexibility and resilience at a time when demand is at its peak,’’ O’Brien said.
Air New Zealand has faced ongoing global engine supply challenges from partners, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney.
The airline expects 11 aircraft – 20 per cent of the fleet – on the ground in the latter half of 2025 because of engine issues, which will have a significant impact on the carrier despite its best mitigation efforts.
Most of the aircraft use Rolls-Royce and Pratt and Whitney engines, which suppliers have said need additional maintenance.
Wamos will operate an Airbus A330-300 for Air New Zealand. The aircraft has 31 lie-flat Business Premier herringbone seats, 48 Premium Economy seats and 185 Economy seats.