Air New Zealand is one of the latest airlines to announce huge cuts to its operations calendar in the midst of COVID-19.

Air New Zealand is cutting its long-haul capacity by 85 per cent. Specifically, flights connecting Auckland (AKL), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Tokyo (NRT) and more are being suspended.

On the short-term routes, Tasman and Pacific Island networks are also seeing significant reductions between April and June. Domestic networks are shrinking by about 30 per cent, but will not see any actual suspensions.

The industry is in a period of unprecedented change, and, as a result, the airline asks passengers to refrain from contacting it unless they are due to fly in less than 48 hours.

“We are a nimble airline with a lean cost base, strong balance sheet, good cash reserves, an outstanding brand and a team going above and beyond every day. We also have supportive partners. We are also in discussions with the Government at this time,” said Greg Foran, CEO, Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand’s strategy includes cost-saving measures like having the board of directors take a 15 per cent pay cut through the end of the year. The company is working with its entire workforce to ensure a satisfying outcome for the entire organisation.