New Zealand

Two companies—Channel Infrastructure and Fortescue Future Industries—intend to start eSAF production at the Marsden Point refinery in New Zealand.

The carrier has reported strong demand for flights to Shanghai.

The US carrier has also announced a new route to Nice alongside details of the Auckland flights.

Routes selects 50 new air services set to start around the world in September, looking at the planned frequency, start date and aircraft to be used.

Before the pandemic Qantas' JFK flights stopped over in Los Angeles, but CEO Alan Joyce sees “significant advantages” in the switch to Auckland.

The carrier restarted service to Australia in December 2021.

New Zealand will reopen to US citizens in May.

The airline is increasing frequencies to Sydney as well as bringing back flights to Brisbane and Auckland.

The carrier anticipates operating just 15-20% of pre-pandemic capacity on long-haul routes during New Zealand’s winter season.

The country began a staged reopening in November 2021.

New Zealand has entered lockdown to stop the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19.

Hawaiian's US mainland capacity is rebounding from COVID-19, but international flying will take longer.

The carrier hopes to begin two new routes to the country in January after delaying its original launch plans.

A travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands is scheduled to open on May 17.

The startup had intended to fly routes between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

Some airlines in the countries are now ramping up Trans-Tasman capacity

The airline is restoring Tasmania to its network after a 23-year absence. The route comes as New Zealand’s government has announced the extension of an air connectivity scheme.

China’s aviation authority has given the go-ahead for a pair of new international passenger services.

Jim Parashos, executive general manager of aviation at Brisbane Airport, discusses the impact of state border restrictions in Australia, the importance of a travel bubble with New Zealand, and the longer-term impacts of the airport’s new runway.

A new COVID-19 case in New Zealand prompts Australia to take action.

Passengers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from Jan. 21.

Carriers in both countries await the establishment of a two-way travel bubble.

Routes analyzes some of the services returning as well as new routes being launched. This week we look at Qantas resuming trans-Tasman flights; Air India expanding with a new Canadian service; and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s latest network addition.

Qantas is looking to take advantage of the relaxation while Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand react more cautiously.

Routes looks at the impact of Air New Zealand’s decision to ground its Boeing 777 fleet for a year.