Qantas Airways is deepening its footprint across New Zealand, accelerating growth plans that position the country as an essential part of the airline’s long-term international strategy. The move marks one of Qantas Group’s most ambitious expansions in recent years, strengthening competition against Air New Zealand on both domestic and international fronts.
Growing Dominance Across the Tasman
Following a robust post-pandemic rebound, Qantas and its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar have expanded their Trans-Tasman capacity by 23%, surpassing Air New Zealand in total available seats. The expansion highlights a shift in focus for Australia’s flag carrier as it builds a more substantial operational base across key New Zealand cities — Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown — alongside Auckland.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace told The Post that New Zealand is increasingly viewed as part of the airline’s home market. “We’re now flying more across the Tasman than Air New Zealand, capturing over 50% of total seat capacity compared to Air NZ’s 45%,” Wallace said.
Wallace, who previously held a senior role at Air New Zealand, described the current market conditions as “the most favorable in years.” He credited Qantas’ financial stability and available aircraft as major advantages that enable route growth, especially as Air New Zealand faces capacity shortages and ongoing maintenance challenges.
Auckland Emerging as a Long-Haul Hub
At the center of this expansion is Auckland Airport (AKL), which Qantas is transforming into a secondary hub for long-haul operations. The airline is using Auckland to connect passengers from Australia’s eastern cities to North America, particularly on routes to New York (JFK).
Qantas now operates double the capacity of Air New Zealand on the Auckland–New York route, according to Wallace, and is outperforming its competitor in U.S.-bound markets. The development underscores a growing strategic shift: Qantas is leveraging its resources to capture traffic flows that previously belonged almost exclusively to Air New Zealand.
The airline’s upcoming Project Sunrise program—its plan to operate ultra-long-haul, nonstop flights—will also rely on New Zealand as a key testing ground. The first phase will involve flights between Sydney (SYD) and Auckland before the aircraft are deployed on marathon routes such as Sydney to London (LHR) and Sydney to New York (JFK).
The move, Wallace said, reflects the airline’s confidence in New Zealand’s role in supporting Qantas’ global ambitions. The testing phase also positions Auckland as an increasingly vital component in the carrier’s international network.
Potential Return to Los Angeles and New Pacific Routes
Industry reports indicate that Qantas may soon revive its Auckland–Los Angeles (LAX) service, which was discontinued in 2012. The route remains one of Air New Zealand’s most profitable, and its reinstatement by Qantas would mark a bold competitive move as the airline deploys new long-range aircraft.
In addition to North American expansion, Qantas is evaluating potential services from New Zealand to the Pacific Islands, including Samoa (APW) and Tonga (TBU). These routes would further diversify Qantas’ regional portfolio and strengthen its position as a key player in South Pacific connectivity.
Meanwhile, Jetstar continues to build its domestic footprint in New Zealand. The budget carrier has added more flights to Dunedin (DUD) and launched service on the competitive Christchurch–Hamilton (HLZ) route. Although regional Jetstar services remain suspended, the carrier has shown renewed interest in growing within New Zealand’s domestic market.
Financial Strength Fuels Strategic Shift
Analysts point to Qantas’ strong balance sheet and fleet flexibility as major enablers of this expansion. The airline has benefited from record post-pandemic earnings and improved operational performance, allowing it to deploy additional aircraft across both short- and long-haul markets.
Wallace noted that Qantas’ position enables it to “add new routes and frequencies while its rival continues to face aircraft shortages and maintenance constraints.”
That advantage could prove pivotal as Air New Zealand continues to manage delays in aircraft deliveries and maintenance schedules that have limited its growth capacity.
A Reimagined Home Market
For Qantas, New Zealand is no longer just a neighboring market — it’s part of its extended home base. The airline’s moves suggest a long-term strategy to integrate operations across both countries, leveraging geography, shared travel demand, and competitive opportunity.
From increased Trans-Tasman services to new long-haul ambitions, Qantas’ push into New Zealand signals a redefined approach to regional aviation dominance. As the airline positions Auckland as its second major international hub, it is effectively redrawing the map of Australasian air travel.
With a powerful combination of financial strength, fleet resources, and strategic focus, Qantas appears ready to challenge Air New Zealand not only across the Tasman but also on the global stage.
