Air New Zealand has recently adjusted its International operating schedule for October – December 2021 signalling their intentions to operate to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Singapore, Narita, Taipei, Shanghai and Seoul. Beyond January, International Schedules are loaded for travel equivalent to pre-Covid operations, which is encouraging to hear.
At this time with NZ travel restrictions/entry requirements, currently only residents and special exemption holders are allowed to enter New Zealand and are required to complete a 14 day isolation period (at their own cost) in a managed facility as per Government Policy. If Government Policy does not change from its current, Air New Zealand will continue to adjust its operating schedule to reflect the applicable passenger numbers.
New Zealand does have a Travel Bubble with the Cook Islands and Australia (currently paused) so operational experience is being gained in the changing conditions.
Air New Zealand is preparing for the next stages in the IATA Travel Pass trial to be prepared for a smoother travel experience as the app will help travelers to store and manage their verified certifications for COVID-19 tests & vaccines.