Air New Zealand is significantly expanding its services to the United States, announcing on June 12 that it will add 34,000 seats between Auckland and key US cities: Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This move underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between New Zealand and the United States, a vital market for both tourism and business travel.
The Star Alliance carrier, known for operating more direct flights between Auckland and the United States than any other airline, currently serves five US destinations: Honolulu, Houston, New York JFK, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Although the airline previously flew to Chicago, this route is temporarily suspended due to ongoing issues with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner. However, Air New Zealand is optimistic about resuming its Chicago service soon.
Expanding Capacity and Enhancing Comfort
Between October 2025 and March 2026, Air New Zealand will introduce 34,000 additional seats, marking an 8% increase in capacity to and from the United States. This expansion includes an impressive 20,500 premium seats, a 15% increase across its long-haul network. The airline is also reintroducing seven newly retrofitted aircraft, promising a rejuvenated in-flight experience with its new business class product.
Air New Zealand’s network extends across the Pacific Rim, and the airline is also adding 4,300 seats to Asian destinations such as Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bali. This expansion is driven by robust outbound demand from New Zealand and a surge in inbound visitor interest. Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of this growth:
“We’re seeing strong demand, including growing popularity of our premium cabins. Customers want a more comfortable and seamless experience, and we are responding by increasing premium availability and growing flight frequencies across our long-haul network.”
Revamped Cabins for a Superior Experience
After a comprehensive retrofit in Singapore, the first Dreamliner, ZK-NZH, has returned to service, offering a completely redesigned onboard experience. The refreshed cabins, featuring newly designed business and premium economy classes, are already operational on routes to Brisbane and San Francisco.
The new cabin offerings include the Business Premier Luxe, which provides a luxurious experience with features such as a full closing door, a larger bed, and additional space for two passengers to dine. Other enhancements include:
- Business Premier Luxe: Full closing door, larger bed, additional dining space.
- Business Premier: Sliding privacy screens, wireless charging, 24″ entertainment screens, full lie-flat recliner.
- Premium Economy: Fixed outer shell, side wings for privacy, additional storage.
- Economy: 50% larger entertainment screens, snack trays, elastic holder for documents.
Technological innovations include 4K HD entertainment screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, and the ability to use personal devices as remotes for seatback entertainment systems, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Increased Flights to North America
Air New Zealand’s expansion will see additional flights to four North American destinations between October 2025 and March 2026. Los Angeles International Airport will benefit from up to 12 flights per week, a 16% increase from the previous year, adding 6,800 premium seats. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport will see an additional 4,500 seats from January to March.
San Francisco, the airline’s second Californian destination, will experience a 3% increase in services, translating to an additional 1,800 seats. Daily services will continue until mid-February, with frequencies increasing from five to six per week in March.
In Asia, Taipei Taoyuan International Airport will see an increase from three to four flights per week, Bali will have a 49% boost in premium seat offerings, and Hong Kong will gain 3,700 additional Business Premier and Premium Economy seats. Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Air New Zealand’s sole destination in Mainland China, will also see a significant increase in premium seating.
This strategic expansion by Air New Zealand highlights the airline’s commitment to meeting growing demand and enhancing the travel experience for passengers. As the airline continues to innovate and expand, travelers can look forward to more options and improved services on their journeys between New Zealand and key international destinations.
