Air NZ Secures Airbus deal

30 Airbus aircraft could be added to Air NZ fleet within next 10 years after deal which trades older aircraft

Air New Zealand could have more than 30 Airbus aircraft in its fleet within the next 10 years.

Shareholders at the company’s annual meeting in Auckland yesterday were told that the airline was able to trade older aircraft on higher-cost leases for new aircraft on much better terms.

Air New Zealand is leasing 15 A320s to replace aging 767s and 737s on short-haul international routes.

Chief executive Ralph Norris says Air New Zealand has secured rights to acquire another 20 aircraft in the Airbus series on highly attractive terms.

He says as well as greater cost and operating efficiency, the Airbus aircraft offer more spacious cabins, wider seats and greater flexibility.

Mr Norris says the A320s will have two seating classes, overhead video screens and power for personal computers.

He says the new planes give the airline the ability to replace aging domestic 737-300s, as well as meeting growth in demand.

Meanwhile, passengers with only carry-on baggage will be able to fast track themselves through Air New Zealand’s major domestic terminals when Express Class starts on Friday.

Under the new scheme, designed to cut costs, the airline has installed kiosks similar to ATM machines at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Passengers with just carry-on luggage will be able to avoid service queues by checking themselves in through a touch-screen process.

They will also be able to choose their own seats.

Included in the changes, Air New Zealand is replacing in-flight meals on domestic flights with a snack service.