Qantas will be increasing its trans-Tasman operations during the end of the year, including rolling out its second Boeing 787 service between Australia and New Zealand.
From December to January 2026, the Oneworld operator’s trans-Tasman capacity will be up 20%, with additional frequencies on seven routes. These include Sydney-Auckland, Sydney-Christchurch, Melbourne-Auckland, as well as Brisbane-Queenstown.
Qantas will also be introducing the 787-9 on flights between Brisbane and Auckland from August. Initially a thrice-weekly service, the aircraft will operate daily flights from October, says Qantas. It will be second trans-Tasman route with the 787, after Sydney-Auckland, which the airline is operating as part of services to New York.
The boost in New Zealand flights comes amid a raft of network announcements, including the rollout of two new trans-Tasman flights – Perth-Auckland, as well as Adelaide-Auckland. The latter route also marks Qantas’ return to international flying from Adelaide after more than a decade.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace states: “This year has already seen huge growth in New Zealand for Qantas Group, from the announcement of two new Qantas routes to the refurbishment of our Auckland lounge well underway and the upcoming launch of three more new trans-Tasman routes for Jetstar.”
He adds: “[We’re] pleased to offer even more Tasman flying for customers, which will mean Qantas will have the most frequency between Australia and New Zealand at one of the busiest travel periods of the year. “
