The Neo Kids On The Block: Air New Zealand To Welcome Two New International A321neo Aircraft

Two new aircraft are winging their way to Aotearoa. Air New Zealand is preparing for the imminent arrival of its newest Airbus A321neo, with the first aircraft expected to touch down on Kiwi soil tomorrow.

Each aircraft will complete a 19,342 kilometre journey to Auckland from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, with stopovers in Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, and Cairns.

The A321neo are configured for flying to Australia and the Pacific islands and seat 214 passengers. The aircraft represents the latest innovation in narrowbody jet technology, offering improved efficiency and additional capacity to Air New Zealand’s fleet.

This news comes hot on the heels of the airline’s newly retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliners taking to the skies, and follows the announcement of a new jet service connecting Hamilton and Christchurch – all part of the airline’s ongoing investment in its network.

The first A321neo arrival, ZK-NNH, is due to enter service in the coming weeks. By the time the second aircraft is flying in a couple of months, the two new additions will be contributing an additional 70,000 seats to the Air New Zealand network each year.

Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O’Brien, says the arrival of this new aircraft signals continued momentum for the airline.

“These new A321neo are a clear sign we’re investing for the future – boosting our international network and delivering more choice for customers. It’s about doing what we do best: connecting Kiwi to the world and bringing visitors to our shores.

“We’re eagerly anticipating getting these aircraft in the skies. We can’t wait to share more soon about where they will be flying. Watch this airspace.”

Plane spotters and aviation fans can expect a sleek new silhouette on the tarmac – and should keep their eyes on the skies for its arrival at 6.45pm tomorrow, Wednesday 4 June. The second aircraft is due to arrive in Aotearoa in late June.*

These A321neo join Air New Zealand’s growing narrowbody fleet, which means with these additions, there are nine internationally configured A321neo in the fleet.

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