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.
Jetstar Airways, based in Australia, and IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, have announced a new codeshare agreement scheduled to go into effect on 01 September 2025. This strategic partnership aims to provide expanded travel options and streamlined connectivity between destinations in India, Southeast Asia, and the Pacificregion.
Air New Zealand has detailed its upcoming fleet expansion and leasing activities, with the next delivery milestone being an Airbus A320neo expected to arrive in late June 2025. Following this, the airline anticipates the addition of an ATR72 in July, and two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners powered by GE engines scheduled for March and April 2026, respectively.
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.
Air New Zealand has taken redelivery of its first retrofitted Boeing B787-9, identified by serial number 37964, after a six-month cabin upgrade program carried out in Singapore. This marks the airline’s first completed retrofit under its multi-year widebody refurbishment strategy.
Air New Zealand has projected its earnings before taxation for fiscal year 2025 to fall within the range of $88 million to $112 million, a forecast that includes $20–24 million in expected compensation for aircraft that have been grounded. The airline disclosed that 11 aircraft remain grounded, primarily due to global supply chain challenges and delays in maintenance cycles.
British Airways and Qatar Airways have received a five-year extension from the New Zealand government on their existing joint business agreement (JBA), reinforcing the strategic cooperation between the UK and Qatari flag carriers on flights to and from New Zealand. In a significant expansion of the agreement, Iberia—the national airline of Spain—has also been officially included in the refreshed deal.
Air New Zealand and Air India have entered into a new codeshare partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at exploring the feasibility of establishing direct flights between India and New Zealand.
Chisholm Enterprises, headquartered in Bahrain, has confirmed its intention to expand its fleet of Boeing 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighters) in 2025. This growth strategy includes the addition of two or three aircraft specifically for its subsidiary, Texel Air Australasia, based in New Zealand.
Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand have announced the resumption of their codeshare partnership, initially covering Trans-Tasman routes. The partnership will begin on December 9, 2024, with flights operating under VA-coded flight numbers.
