Air New Zealand (NZ) has announced the return of Spanish carrier Wamos Air (EB) to its network for the upcoming summer and Easter peak travel season, providing additional capacity as the airline navigates ongoing global engine supply chain disruptions affecting Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney.
From 30 October 2025 through 30 April 2026, Wamos Air will operate selected Air New Zealand flights connecting Auckland with key destinations including Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tokyo, and Bali. The move is designed to safeguard customer travel plans during the airline’s busiest period of the year.
Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien emphasized that the partnership is part of a proactive approach to ensure stability in operations. He explained that this collaboration will give travelers confidence that their holiday journeys will proceed as planned, even as the airline faces industry-wide engine challenges.
What Passengers Can Expect
The flights will be operated by a Wamos Air Airbus A330-300, an aircraft previously in service with Virgin Atlantic. Its cabin experience is described as being closely aligned with Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a three-class configuration:
- 31 Business Premier seats in a lie-flat herringbone design
- 48 Premium Economy seats
- 185 Economy seats
Despite the aircraft being operated by Wamos Air, Air New Zealand has assured passengers that its service standards will be maintained. Check-in and boarding will continue to be managed by Air New Zealand staff, while in-flight service will be delivered by Wamos Air crew trained to Air New Zealand specifications.
Passengers can expect the same inclusions tied to their original fare class. For example, Seats to Suit, The Works, Premium Economy, and Business Premier packages will remain unchanged, ensuring a consistent travel experience. Snacks and meals will also be provided as usual.
Flexibility for Affected Customers
Air New Zealand is contacting customers booked on services that will now be operated by Wamos Air. Travelers will be given full details of the change and their available options. These include:
- Moving to another Air New Zealand-operated flight in the same cabin class at no additional cost, subject to availability.
- Requesting a full refund regardless of the fare type purchased.
- Placing the value of their ticket into a travel credit for future use.
For new bookings, the airline will notify customers during the purchase process if their selected flight will be operated by Wamos Air on its behalf.
A Tested Partnership
This is not the first time Wamos Air has supported Air New Zealand. The carrier has previously operated services for the airline, giving Air New Zealand confidence in its ability to meet passenger expectations during the upcoming peak season.
By bringing Wamos Air into its operations for six months, Air New Zealand aims to provide greater resilience, ensuring that holiday travelers to the Pacific Islands, Asia, and beyond can fly with confidence despite the global supply chain pressures facing the aviation industry.