Air New Zealand is gearing up for a busy summer season at the end of 2025, with exciting plans to boost capacity on its short-haul routes. The airline recently announced a significant increase in seats for its flights across the Tasman Sea to Australia and selected destinations in the Pacific Islands. From October 2025 to March 2026, Air New Zealand aims to operate 1.7 million seats between New Zealand and Australia, solidifying its position as the leading trans-Tasman carrier.

To cater to growing demand, the airline will add 130,000 seats through increased flight frequencies and the deployment of widebody aircraft on key routes. Enhanced premium seating options will be available to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers. Air New Zealand plans to increase premium seating by 8% on its short-haul network and operate up to 42 widebody jet flights to Australia each week.

Beyond Australia, the Pacific Islands will also benefit from the airline's service enhancements, with over 25,000 additional seats being added this summer. This move aims to support connectivity and growth in the region. Highlighting the significance of these developments, Air New Zealand's Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O’Brien, expressed enthusiasm for the increased services. "With more aircraft operational and demand on the rise, we are ramping up our offerings across the Tasman,” stated O’Brien.

Emphasizing the airline's longstanding commitment to connecting New Zealand and Australia, O’Brien highlighted upcoming milestones such as the launch of the new Christchurch to Adelaide route, increased services on existing routes, and commemorating 30 years of direct flights between Queenstown and Sydney. Additionally, Air New Zealand plans to enhance its Auckland–Perth, Auckland–Sydney, Auckland–Melbourne, and Auckland–Brisbane routes to meet passenger demands during peak periods.

Looking ahead to the Pacific islands, Air New Zealand will increase seating capacity on routes such as Auckland to Rarotonga, Auckland to Nadi, and Auckland to Papeete to accommodate strong demand. Despite facing challenges with certain aircraft engines, the airline remains dedicated to serving a wide network of destinations. Currently operating 77 routes to 48 destinations across 17 countries, Air New Zealand continues to prioritize delivering a top-notch travel experience for passengers on both sides of the Tasman.

With an eye towards innovation and passenger satisfaction, Air New Zealand's expansion plans for the upcoming southern summer season promise improved services and increased connectivity for travelers across the region.