Wamos Air will leave the skies between Auckland and Perth in October, as Air New Zealand announced its intentions to redeploy the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route.

Having moved to a wet lease agreement with Wamos to operate the route over the last twelve months as the Kiwi airline rejuvenated itself post-pandemic, passengers were left confused when the Spanish crew greeted them as it took over the flights for the carrier between New Zealand and Western Australia.

Photo: Thiago B Trevisan/Shutterstock

Deploying the Wamos Airbus A330 on the Perth route, allowed Air New Zealand to retain an extra Dreamliner as a buffer for interruptions to the rest of its long-haul network, providing a cushion for the carrier.

All aboard the 787

Business class passengers may be left disappointed by the change back to the conventional 787, as Wamos adopts a 1-2-1 configuration for those sitting up front. Instead, Air New Zealand still adopts the herringbone design in its business class with an awkward angle facing into the aisle. However, it won't be for long as the carrier is destined to launch its new business class with the first delivery of eight new Dreamliners beginning next year.

The new design will include privacy panels, a 24" entertainment screen, and ample storage, and for those in the front four of the 42 business class seats, the Business Lux will be treated, including a buddy seat for guests.

Photo: Air New Zealand

Premium economy will now feature again on the route, as this was paused while Wamos took over with its two-cabin configuration, alongside WiFi now being available onboard.

Eight new Dreamliners en route

With the Auckland-based carrier expecting to receive the first of eight new Dreamliners next year, it would be no surprise to see the latest aircraft firstly deployed on its flagship US routes to the likes of New York (JFK), and Chicago (O'Hare); however, as new aircraft join the fleet, the older aircraft will be set for a complete makeover.

Air New Zealand is currently home to 14 787s, where the Dreamliner makes up the backbone of its long-haul operations, complemented by seven 777-300 and an extra on order.

Photo: Air New Zealand

The carrier also looks to expand its narrowbody fleet, with its latest announcement to add another two Airbus A321 from next year, to aid in its trans-Tasman and Pacific Island network, alongside two extra ATR72-600 turboprops, which will bolster its regional domestic capacity.

Adding two A321 to the airline fleet will mean an extra 9,000 seats a week across the Tasman and into the Pacific, directly resulting in Air New Zealand securing the crown for the most capacity across 'the ditch.' The airline is set for an exciting next four years, with 14 aircraft now on order and a re-do of its widebody offering, undoubtedly set to wow its most loyal customers.

Sources: Executive Traveler, Business Traveller