Air New Zealand Reflects on a Busy 2024

Published: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Air New Zealand welcomed 16.2 million customers and operated 171,605 flights in 2024, marking a significant year for the airline.

CEO Greg Foran expressed gratitude to travelers and the airline’s team, stating, “Their professionalism and grit kept the airline moving, even while navigating significant challenges such as ongoing engine availability issues.”

Milestones and Achievements

The airline achieved several milestones, including sending its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Singapore for an interior retrofit. “We can’t wait to welcome our customers into these new cabins in 2025,” Foran said.

The 23rd safety video, “Every Point Counts,” featuring Kiwi basketball star Steven Adams, became a sensation with 30.4 million views globally.

Airpoints membership grew by 414,000, reaching a total of 4.8 million members. The Airpoints Store saw nearly 300,000 items sold, with the Huski Beer Cooler as the top product.

Travel Trends and Customer Engagement

Auckland to Sydney emerged as the most popular short-haul route. Meanwhile, Auckland to Singapore led in long-haul travel, demonstrating the strong demand for both regional and international connections.

Bali remained a favorite holiday destination, prompting Air New Zealand to expand its service to a year-round schedule.

The introduction of Live Chat resulted in 265,936 customer engagements, enhancing customer connections.

Air New Zealand Pilot Cadet Program and Engineering Feats

The Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship received over 2,000 applications, with 30 cadets selected for training.

The engineering team logged 1.2 million hours maintaining the fleet and completed 88 engine changes.

The airline transported a total of 130.9 million kilograms of cargo, including fresh produce and seafood. Moreover, this highlights the airline’s capacity to handle diverse types of freight efficiently.

Animal Transport and Onboard Services

Air New Zealand carried a total of 19,444 animals, including 9,148 dogs and 4,369 cats. Additionally, the airline transported seven penguins.

Meals served totaled 5.7 million, with 3.8 million cookies and 17.5 million lollies distributed.

Looking Ahead

As the airline approaches its 85th anniversary in April, Foran emphasized the commitment to connecting New Zealanders and the world. “Here’s to building on this legacy and achieving many more milestones in the years ahead,” he said.