Air New Zealand increases Shanghai-Auckland capacity for Chinese New Year

Air New Zealand is increasing capacity on its Shanghai to Auckland route to accommodate the Chinese New Year travel peak. From January 23 to February 20, 2027, the airline will add three additional return services per week, bringing the total to ten weekly flights.

The expansion will provide more than 7,000 additional seats and will be operated using Boeing 787 aircraft. This increase brings summer capacity on the route to more than 11 percent above previous year levels.

According to Chief Commercial Officer Scott Wilkinson, the move aims to support tourism and domestic business connectivity during the New Zealand summer. The additional flights will also increase cargo capacity to assist New Zealand exporters. Through a partnership with Air China, the two airlines will operate up to 24 services per week between New Zealand and China during the peak season.