Air New Zealand brings back Wamos Air on Auckland-Perth

Wamos Air is primed for a return between Auckland and Perth with Air New Zealand reheating a previous leasing deal that saw a Spanish aircraft and crew flying on its behalf for almost 12 months. However, the latest stay won’t be nearly as long.

From February 9 to April 30, 2024, Air NZ’s Boeing 787 – which only returned on the route in late October – will once again be switched for Wamos’ Airbus A330, and it’s a move delivering both good and bad news for travellers.

On one hand Wamos’ business class is a more conventional 1-2-1 layout than the awkward commuter-style pews of the 787, but on the other, the A330 is older, noisier and generally less comfortable aircraft. It also lacks a premium economy cabin – and WiFi.

Wamos Air's Airbus A330 business class.

The airline notes any passengers currently booked in premium economy will be re-accommodated in economy, with the fare difference refunded.

Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul Jeremy O’Brien says the reintroduction of Wamos Air is a “proactive, temporary measure which means we can avoid major flight cancellations while we undertake additional aircraft maintenance in early 2024.”

O’Brien describes the Spanish charter airline as a “proven and trusted provider”, adding his confidence they will “continue to deliver to the airline’s expectations of customer care on-board.”

Business Premier onboard Air New Zealand's Boeing 787.

As with many carriers, including Qantas, Air New Zealand is grappling with a shortfall of aircraft. It recently took delivery of a leased Boeing 777 from Cathay Pacific.

However, this may be the last of Air NZ’s leasing deals, with several factory-fresh aircraft on the way in 2024.

A radical reboot of the much-maligned Business Premier seats will take wing in September on flights from Auckland to New York and Chicago, when the Kiwi carrier collects keys to the first of eight factory-fresh Boeing 787s – with new suites and seats from tip to tail.

Taking pride of place on the ultra-long range flights will be eight private Business Premier Luxe suites – four in the first row of each business class cabin – with a ‘buddy seat’ where a companion can sit and share a meal, a glass of wine or a game of cards, and dressed by upmarket touches including a Merino wool throw.

The all-new Business Premier will be a significant improvement on the 'commuter style' of present.

These will be accompanied by 42 new-look Business Premier seats with their own sliding privacy panels, a storage cabinet and vanity mirror, a spacious side shelf, wireless device charging and a massive 24” video screen with Bluetooth audio streaming to your own cordless headphones or earbuds.