Air New Zealand has declared a significant sale on seats throughout its international network, aligning with industry forecasts of reduced airfares in 2024.
The airline has confirmed that "tens of thousands of seats" are currently available at discounted rates until Friday, January 19.
For instance, one-way flights from Auckland to Sydney start at $197, while Auckland to Melbourne is priced at $209. Beyond this, travelers can reach the US for under $550, with flights to Honolulu commencing at $547 and Los Angeles at $697.
Scott Carr, Air New Zealand's General Manager Long Haul, highlighted the opportune timing of the sale, noting that the beginning of the year is ideal for those planning international travel in 2024. Carr emphasized the excitement of booking a holiday during this period.
However, it is essential to note that not all flights or dates are included in the sale, and customers are advised to verify availability online.
This announcement corroborates Flight Centre's General Manager, Heidi Walker's predictions from December. With airline capacity nearly restored to 90% of pre-Covid levels, Walker anticipated increased choices and competition for New Zealanders in the flight market during 2024.
Although prices have not yet returned to the levels of the "golden era," Walker noted the emergence of attractive deals and expected further price reductions by the end of 2024 as capacity continues to rise and demand normalizes.
ASB economists also agree that pricing pressures in the airline sector are likely to ease in the coming months.
Air New Zealand's sale fares include routes such as:
- Auckland to Sydney starting from $197 one way
- Auckland to Melbourne starting from $209 one way
- Auckland to Brisbane starting from $223 one way
- Auckland to Gold Coast starting from $244 one way
- Auckland to Adelaide starting from $308 one way
- Auckland to Sunshine Coast starting from $334 one way
- Auckland to Cairns starting from $377 one way
- Auckland to Perth starting from $569 one way
- Christchurch to Sydney starting from $219 one way
- Christchurch to Melbourne starting from $225 one way
- Christchurch to Gold Coast starting from $244 one way
- Wellington to Sydney starting from $219 one way
- Wellington to Melbourne starting from $225 one way
- Wellington to Brisbane starting from $268 one way
- Auckland to various international destinations with one-way fares ranging from $556 to $857.