Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines extend their alliance for 5 years

Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have just celebrated the extension of their joint venture for another five years, until March 2029.

During this 10-year partnership, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have increased seat capacity between New Zealand and Singapore by approximately 50 per cent.

Following this extension, and subject to regulatory approval, the joint venture partners will operate a total of four daily seasonal services between Auckland and Singapore from 27 October 2024 to 29 March 2025.

With the arrival of the fourth daily seasonal flight between Auckland and Singapore, the airlines will jointly operate 38 return services per week between New Zealand and Singapore during peak months, including a non-stop service from Singapore to Christchurch. This translates to more than 893,000 places available each year.

Mike Williams, Air New Zealand's director of transformation and alliances, says the partnership plays a key role in connecting New Zealand to the world.

“Since the launch of the alliance in early 2015, the two national carriers have flown more than 4.6 million passengers between New Zealand and Singapore and beyond,” Williams said.

“The partnership gives New Zealanders access to the world through Singapore Airlines' extensive network, beyond the gate of Singapore to destinations in Europe, India and South-east Asia.”

Meanwhile, the Auckland-based national carrier said earlier this month that a delay in deliveries of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners meant its new Skynest product would not be on board until the new planes arrived in 2025.

However, the airline's current Boeing 787 fleet modernization program remains on schedule, and new cabins will debut later this year, including new Business Premier Luxury Suites with fully enclosed doors and a dining area for two.