Cathay Pacific has come to the rescue of Air New Zealand.
It will offer the Kiwi carrier some respite as it deals with Dreamliner engine problems by taking over its Hong Kong-Auckland flights.
Cathay is deploying an additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the route from January 6 to January 19 and will also use a Boeing 777 on Auckland services from February 1 through March 28.
These are extra services beyond Cathay’s normal schedule.
Air NZ has been forced to amend its international schedule due to ongoing issues impacting some of its Rolls-Royce engines on Dreanliners.
It is required to conduct more frequent maintenance because of problems with the engine’s turbine blades
"This aircraft capacity will help fill the gaps in our schedule to get people to their destinations in the coming weeks and it’s been beneficial to have our alliance partner Cathay Pacific step in and assist us at this busy time," said Doug Grant, Air New Zealand’s senior manager of customer care and communications.
It makes sense for both airlines as it gives Air NZ more flexibility and Cathay can handle the extra capacity amid a downturn in traffic due to the Hong Kong protests.
Air NZ has cancelled scores of flighst between December 10 and January 2 because of the engine issues.
