Media Releases - 2004

The new state of the art V2500 facility operated by the Christchurch Engine Centre, an Air New Zealand and Pratt & Whitney joint venture, was officially opened at a function in Christchurch today.

Air New Zealand's new direct service between Christchurch and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands takes off for the first time tomorrow.

Air New Zealand today reassured customers travelling through Auckland tomorrow that it will be making every effort to ensure their journeys are not delayed by industrial action.

Air New Zealand today expressed its disappointment with the decision by the New Zealand High Court to decline the appeal by Air New Zealand and Qantas against the New Zealand Commerce Commission's original decision to disallow the two airlines' application to form a strategic alliance.

Air New Zealand has been named Best Long Haul Airline in the seventh annual Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers Awards.

Air New Zealand today revealed a new multi-million dollar marketing campaign aimed at refreshing the Air New Zealand brand in the Australian market place.

In response to escalating fuel prices, Air New Zealand has today announced it will increase its fuel surcharge on airfares sold from September 2 onward.

Lower airfares from Air New Zealand's domestic Express Class have delivered multi-million dollar benefits to the New Zealand economy.

Air New Zealand has today announced that it will commence a new direct service from Wellington to Nadi, Fiji from 20 November 2004.

Travelling with Air New Zealand will be easier than ever for Airpoints members from 16 November 2004.

San Francisco officially becomes Air New Zealand's 21st international destination with the airline's first service taking flight at 6.50pm this evening.

Air New Zealand is to offer a new non-stop service from Los Angeles direct into the South Island city of Christchurch from November 2, 2004.

Air New Zealand today announced it has appointed leading New Zealand fashion designer Zambesi to create its new uniforms for cabin crew, pilots, frontline ground staff and Travelcentre staff.

Air New Zealand today welcomed the Employment Court's ruling on its drug and alcohol policy.

Air New Zealand's seventh A320 aircraft arrives in Auckland tomorrow evening, marking the completion of the airline's initial round of scheduled deliveries from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. No further deliveries are planned until September 2004 with the 15th aircraft scheduled to arrive early 2006.

Wanaka's new regular air service touched down at Wanaka Airport for the first time today, with the arrival of Air New Zealand's inaugural flight from Christchurch.

Air New Zealand today announced a Net Profit Before Unusuals and Tax of $149 million for the six month period ended December 31, 2003. This was up 7.4% ($10 million) on the previous period.

Passengers going to the USA have been given another option today with Air New Zealand's announcement that it will commence non-stop flights between Auckland and San Francisco from 30 June.

Air New Zealand is currently reviewing the United States Government's requirement for all airlines that fly to, from, or over the United States to have the ability to deploy armed Government law enforcement officers on board those flights, if the United States Government decides that the security threat to a specific flight warrants that level of additional protection. It is important to note that Air New Zealand has not received any request to place armed law enforcement officers on any of its flights at this time.