Air NZ and Singapore Airlines boost capacity through Changi

Air NZ and Singapore Airlines will jointly launch a third daily flight between Auckland and Singapore from later next year, boosting capacity on the route by up to 40%. The joint venture partners say they are adding more than 165,000 seats a year between the two cities in response to strong demand from Kiwis travelling north and even stronger demand from tourists heading for New Zealand. SIA will at times use its Airbus A380s, which are undergoing an interior overhaul, including introducing new luxury features in first class suites. Air NZ will use its new configuration 787-9 aircraft, which have more premium economy and business premier seats than its current 787-9 fleet. Simon Turcotte, Singapore Airlines' New Zealand general manager said all cabins have been performing well. "There's been strong demand across the board but there's no doubt the premium cabin is strong on this route and we're meeting this demand," he said.<br/>