LONDON – New Zealand’s flag carrier, Air New Zealand, is set to return their 777-300 aircraft back to service, following a period of almost 600 days in storage.
Following a round of test flights, the 777-300ER registered ZK-OKQ, will start to operate flights from New Zealand to Australia and Los Angeles. The carrier currently has seven 777-300ER in their fleet.
The airline will start operations with its 777 fleet today (Feb. 10th), operating a service between Auckland and Melbourne.
During the pandemic, the airline has solely operated their 787-9 fleet on Longhaul flights, as well as many other routes.
As New Zealand and Australia are set to ease their Covid restrictions, the airline sees increased demand on flights from and to New Zealand.
From February 27th any vaccinated Citizen and Visa holder may enter New Zealand. Starting March 13th eligible travelers will be allowed to enter the country.
In September 2020, most of the carrier’s 777 fleet has been grounded in Victorville and Roswell. At that time the carrier stated to reintroduce the type by September 2021 at the earliest.
