Air NZ extends pause on Chicago service over engine 'challenges'

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Air New Zealand plans to increase capacity to key markets and bring back a couple of popular routes for the summer, but has extended the cancellation of its Chicago service.

The airline said it will increase the number of seats available on flights to Singapore, Tokyo and Taipei from November to March 2025, with the introduction of Air New Zealand’s larger 777-300 aircraft.

The 777-300 aircraft included a higher proportion of premium seats and had 30 percent more cargo capability than the 787 aircraft they replaced.

It was also bringing back two seasonal routes to Hobart and Seoul from October.

However, it said it was extending the pause on its Chicago service, which was due to resume from October, to the second half of 2025 when a new Boeing 787 aircraft was expected to be delivered.

“Unfortunately, ongoing challenges with the availability of Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines on our 787-9 aircraft means we haven’t been able to return to our Chicago route in October as expected,” Air New Zealand general manager Scott Carr said.

He said the airline would contact customers affected by the cancellations, while those who booked to Chicago via a travel agent should contact their agent to confirm changes to their itinerary.