Air New Zealand hit by maintenance delays

Air New Zealand has provided an update on its financial performance for the 2025 financial year.

The airline said aircraft availability issues, resulting from global engine maintenance delays, have impacted its performance.

It revealed that up to six Airbus neo aircraft and four Boeing 787 aircraft have been out of service in the first half of the financial year, representing over 16% of its jet fleet.

Air New Zealand does not expect these availability issues to ease until early 2026.

However, it said it is exploring options to improve capacity, including further aircraft leases.

The airline said it has observed early signs of recovery in corporate travel, but government travel demand remains subdued.

It currently expects earnings before taxation for the first half of the 2025 financial year to be in the range of $120m to $160m.

Air New Zealand cautioned against extrapolating this guidance to the full year, citing ongoing uncertainties in the trading and operating environment.

Full year guidance will be provided when there is sufficient certainty, which is currently expected to be around the interim results.