New Zealand, United States, Canada, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China: How Air New Zealand Is Connecting More Passengers with Luxury Flights

Published on June 16, 2025

In a bold move to meet increasing demand, Air New Zealand is significantly expanding its long-haul travel offering from October 2025 to March 2026. This expansion focuses on providing more comfort and choice for travelers, especially on key international routes to North America and Asia. The airline is increasing its seat capacity with a focus on premium offerings, reflecting the growing popularity of these cabins among passengers seeking a more comfortable and seamless flying experience.

With travelers eager for more luxurious flights, Air New Zealand’s investment in newly retrofitted 787 Dreamliners and a variety of schedule enhancements signals the airline’s commitment to passenger satisfaction. In total, the airline will offer an 8% increase in overall seat capacity to the United States and Canada compared to last year, including a 15% boost in premium seating. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or to reconnect with family, Air New Zealand is positioning itself as the ideal choice for those seeking comfort during their long-haul trips.

Air New Zealand’s North America Expansion: More Flights, More Comfort

For passengers flying to the United States and Canada, Air New Zealand is ramping up service with additional flights and more premium cabin seating, offering a more comfortable flying experience.

• Auckland to Los Angeles: Air New Zealand is increasing the frequency of flights between Auckland and Los Angeles to 11-12 flights per week from December through March. This represents a 16% increase in capacity, which equates to nearly 24,000 more seats than last year. The boost also includes an additional 6,800 premium seats, perfect for passengers who want to enjoy extra comfort on this popular route.
• Auckland to Houston: Air New Zealand’s route to Houston will also see a rise in capacity, with an additional 4,500 seats available between January and March. This increase reflects the growing demand for travel to this important North American hub.
• Auckland to Vancouver: This route will maintain up to seven weekly services, and during the December to early February peak, the airline will introduce the larger 777 aircraft to accommodate more travelers. Alongside this increase in seating, premium seating will see a 25% rise, including a 30% increase in Premium Economy and an 18% rise in Business Premier to cater to business travelers.
• Auckland to San Francisco: With daily services continuing through mid-February, the airline is adding 1,800 additional seats (a 3% increase) and 2,700 more premium seats (a 21% increase) to accommodate the high demand during the summer months.

This significant increase in seat capacity across these routes will give travelers greater flexibility and options when flying between New Zealand and North America.

Asia: Growing Premium Seating and More Flights to Key Destinations

Air New Zealand is also enhancing its Asian routes, with additional flights and increased premium seating to cater to the growing demand for luxury travel in the region.

• Auckland to Taipei: From December to February, this route will see an increase from three to four flights per week, adding 11,800 seats, a 27% increase in capacity. This expansion is timed to accommodate both Christmas peak and Chinese New Year travel, ensuring that travelers can enjoy the festive season with added convenience.
• Auckland to Bali: Air New Zealand is seeing an impressive 49% increase in premium seats on its route to Bali, adding an extra 2,400 premium seats to meet the growing demand for luxury travel to this popular holiday destination.
• Auckland to Hong Kong: The airline will also see a 28% increase in premium seating on the Auckland-Hong Kong route, adding 3,700 additional Business Premier and Premium Economy seats to meet the growing demand for premium services.
• Auckland to Shanghai: With a 35% rise in premium seating, this route will see an increased number of luxury travel options available for passengers flying to this major Chinese city.

These increased capacities and the growing availability of premium seating across Air New Zealand’s Asian routes show the airline’s commitment to providing an excellent flying experience for passengers traveling to and from Asia.

A Modern Fleet for a Modern Experience: Retrofitted 787 Dreamliners

Air New Zealand’s investment in upgrading its aircraft fleet is another key aspect of the airline’s long-haul travel expansion. By the end of 2025, Air New Zealand will have up to seven newly retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliners in operation, providing travelers with a completely refreshed inflight experience.

• Enhanced Comfort: The retrofitted Dreamliners will feature improved seating throughout, including additional space and comfort in premium cabins, ensuring that passengers can relax during their long-haul journeys.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: In addition to seating upgrades, the Dreamliners will offer enhanced entertainment systems and connectivity, allowing passengers to stay entertained and connected throughout their flights.
• Customer Feedback: The feedback from passengers who have already experienced the newly retrofitted Dreamliners has been overwhelmingly positive, with many travelers praising the extra legroom, increased comfort, and overall improvement in the flying experience.

With the introduction of these newly retrofitted Dreamliners, Air New Zealand is ensuring that every flight offers a world-class travel experience, especially for those flying to the United States, Canada, and Asia.

Air New Zealand’s Commitment to Sustainability

As part of its sustainability efforts, Air New Zealand is focused on reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The airline’s commitment to a more sustainable future is seen in its ongoing efforts to minimize emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce waste across its fleet.

• Sustainable Practices: Air New Zealand continues to invest in fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which helps reduce carbon emissions and minimize its environmental footprint.
• Sustainability Framework: The airline’s Sustainability Framework is helping guide its efforts to tackle some of the most pressing global environmental challenges, ensuring that the airline can operate in a more eco-friendly manner.
• Carbon Offsetting: Air New Zealand offers customers the ability to offset their carbon emissions through its partnership with the Carbon Offset Program, allowing passengers to make a positive impact on the environment while traveling.

With sustainability at the forefront of its operations, Air New Zealand is ensuring that passengers can travel comfortably while also helping to preserve the planet for future generations.

Increased Capacity and Premium Availability Now Available for Booking

For those planning to travel on Air New Zealand’s expanded long-haul routes, seats are available for booking now. Whether flying to North America or Asia, travelers can take advantage of the increased seat availability and enhanced premium options for both business and leisure trips.

• Booking Options: Passengers can book their flights directly on the Air New Zealand website or through a travel agent. With expanded seating and premium options, travelers can easily find the perfect flight that fits their needs.
• Loyalty Program: Travelers can also earn Airpoints through Air New Zealand’s loyalty program, giving them the opportunity to earn rewards and access exclusive benefits while flying.

Conclusion: Air New Zealand’s Focus on Comfort, Premium Seats, and Sustainability

Air New Zealand’s expansion of its long-haul network, especially to North America and Asia, is a direct response to the increasing demand for premium seating and comfortable flying experiences. With more seats, newly retrofitted 787 Dreamliners, and a growing commitment to sustainability, the airline is positioning itself as a leader in premium long-haul travel.

Whether you’re flying to Los Angeles, Vancouver, Taipei, or Bali, Air New Zealand is making it easier for travelers to experience comfort and luxury on long flights, while also taking steps to ensure that the environmental impact of flying is minimized.

As the airline continues to upgrade its fleet, enhance its services, and offer more premium seats, Air New Zealand is set to meet the demands of travelers seeking both convenience and comfort in their long-haul journeys.