Air New Zealand expects to reach 75% of its pre-pandemic international capacity and 100% of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity by the end of this year, as the demand for air travel returns.
“At this stage, there’s some pent-up demand that we’ve seen. People wanting to not just visit friends and relatives, but increasingly business people want to get out and be connected. So I’m very encouraged by that,” Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said on Monday.
“But I am cautious about what may happen should the price of fuel continue to stay over double what it was pre-COVID.” The national carrier is covering higher fuel costs through 20–25% fare increases, relative to pre-pandemic levels.
Earlier this month, Air New Zealand said that its loss in the 12 months ending June 30 would be less than previously forecast due to the rebound in passenger demand as restrictions eased.
