Air New Zealand’s new all black A320 aircraft has touched down at Auckland airport, marking the start of a revolution in the airline’s domestic jet service.
The Airbus A320s will progressively replace Air New Zealand’s existing fleet of Boeing 737-300s, increasing the number of passenger seats and improving fuel efficiency on the domestic jet network which forms the backbone of commercial air travel in New Zealand.
“The first four will be delivered this year and the remaining 10 progressively through until 2016, coinciding with the expiry of our current B737-300 aircraft leases,†says Scott Carr, general manager New Zealand.
The larger aircraft will enable Air New Zealand to increase capacity on routes that are beginning to face capacity constraints at some airports during peak times.
The current 737 fleet is configured with 133 seats, with the larger domestic A320 aircraft increasing domestic jet capacity by almost 30%.
The first domestic A320 celebrates Air New Zealand’s long running sponsorship of the All Blacks with a jet black livery, silver fern motif and Koru on the tail.
Aircraft enthusiasts outside of Auckland will have an opportunity to see this distinctive aircraft during a whirlwind five-stop nationwide tour on Waitangi Day, February 6.
