Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines Boost Capacity by 17%

Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines are significantly expanding their joint network between New Zealand and Singapore for the Northern Winter 2026 season, running from October 25, 2026 to March 27, 2027, adding 72,000 seats and increasing overall capacity by 17 percent.

The most significant new addition is Air New Zealand's launch of three weekly nonstop services between Singapore and Christchurch, operated on Boeing 787 aircraft. Combined with Singapore Airlines' existing Christchurch operations of up to 12 weekly services, the two carriers will offer 15 weekly flights between Singapore and Christchurch during the peak months of November 2026 through February 2027.

On the Auckland route, Air New Zealand will add four weekly services using both Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. Singapore Airlines will adjust its Auckland schedule from three daily flights to two, but will upgrade to the Airbus A380 on daily services SQ285 and SQ286. The A380 offers 471 seats across four cabins: six in Suites, 78 in Business Class, 44 in Premium Economy, and 343 in Economy, providing a significant uplift in both capacity and onboard comfort.

Total seat count across the joint network will exceed 490,000 for the winter season, connecting New Zealand to Singapore Airlines' broader global network spanning Southeast Asia, India, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

"Through Singapore's position as a leading global hub, travellers can access New Zealand from across South East Asia, India, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond," said Michael Williams, Chief Operations and Alliances Officer at Air New Zealand.

Flights are available to book now, subject to regulatory approval.