Air New Zealand upgrades fleet Company News June 02, 2014 10:20 AM Email Alerts for: ASX:AIZ Air New Zealand Limited (ASX:AIZ) has pulled out the cheque book and signed off on 13 new Airbus A320’s that will deliver fuel savings of up to 15 per cent. The deal, signed today in Qatar, will see the current fleet of 13 A320s replaced with aircraft with new generation engines and fuel efficient Sharklet wing tip devices. At least three of the new planes will also have 38 more seats than the aircraft Air New Zealand currently operates which leaves room for future growth on the airlines Tasman and Pacific Island services. Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxton says the deal ensures the airline will continue to operate one of the world’s youngest fleets and by operating one narrow body aircraft type the airline can unlock important efficiencies in training, maintenance and operating costs. The new jets will be delivered in intervals between early 2015 and late 2017. Air New Zealand reported earnings of $129 million for the half year ended 30 December 2013.
