Air New Zealand addresses engine shortage concerns with aircraft leasing plan

Air New Zealand’s chief commercial officer Jeremy O’Brien has addressed concerns about the airline’s engine constraints following the suspension of the Incheon-Auckland route.

Engine delays plaguing Air New Zealand as carrier set to suspend Incheon-Auckland route

O’Brien agreed that the carrier is working through a challenging period, currently facing engine availability constraints on both the widebody and narrowbody fleet.

“However, we remain committed to strengthening our fleet and enhancing the travel experience for our customers,” he told Travel Weekly.

“To mitigate some of these challenges, we have added three 777 leased aircraft to our fleet for additional capacity.”

“Looking ahead, we are entering an exciting phase of transformation. The first of our retrofitted 787s will be completed in the coming months and re-enter service, marking a significant milestone for our fleet.

“By mid-2026, we expect to begin operating the first of our new 787s, with a total of eight joining our fleet by the end of 2029, some of which will include the highly-anticipated Skynest.”

O’Brien also highlighted the delivery of four A321 aircraft that will be split across its domestic and international routes.

“Together, these investments represent more than NZ$3.5 billion in our fleet’s future,” he continued.

“While the industry continues to navigate short-term challenges, we remain focused on delivering a world-class travel experience. We appreciate our customers’ patience and support during this transition and are excited for what’s to come.”