China Eastern Airlines is preparing to set a new benchmark in ultra-long-haul operations with the announcement of a groundbreaking route between Shanghai and Buenos Aires, scheduled to begin in December 2025. The new service will claim the title of the world’s longest scheduled flight, surpassing all current records in terms of both distance and duration.
Qantas Group has announced a sweeping trans-Tasman expansion that will add nearly 210,000 seats between Australia and New Zealand in 2026, reinforcing its market position while providing more travel options for passengers on both sides of the Tasman Sea.
SMBC Aviation Capital has completed the delivery of its second Airbus A321-271NX to Air New Zealand Limited, finalizing a two-aircraft transaction between the Dublin-based lessor and the New Zealand flag carrier. This latest aircraft is powered by a pair of IAE PW1133G-JM geared turbofan engines, known for their fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and represents a further enhancement to Air New…
Air Chathams, a regional airline based in New Zealand, has been denied direct financial support from the Whakatane District Council, despite its efforts to sustain connectivity to major cities. However, in a partial concession, the council has agreed to waive airport fees for the next six months, offering limited operational relief to the carrier.
Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s national flag carrier, has announced plans to expand its global network with new routes to Minneapolis and Auckland. The airline intends to commence flights to Minneapolis in April or May 2025, while the Auckland route will be introduced via Singapore, further enhancing Turkish Airlines’ connectivity across continents.
Hawaiian Airlines has resumed its seasonal service between Honolulu (HNL) and Auckland (AKL), offering direct flights with its Airbus A330 aircraft. This service will run until April 30, 2025, catering to peak travel demand between Hawaii and New Zealand.
