Air New Zealand Expands Tokyo Route to Boost Inbound Tourism

This week in Japan, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran announced the addition of 30,000 seats to the Tokyo route from November to March. This move is set to provide Japanese travelers with more opportunities to visit New Zealand, enhancing inbound tourism.

The capacity increase is attributed to the airline’s 777 aircraft operating more frequently on the route. Each 777 aircraft accommodates 342 passengers, including 44 Business Premier and 54 Premium Economy seats, thereby offering a broader range of seating options for passengers.

Greg Foran highlighted that the expanded capacity is a response to rising demand and is expected to stimulate economic growth in New Zealand’s tourism sector. He emphasized Japan's importance as a visitor market for New Zealand, noting that additional seats during the peak season would likely lead to more Japanese tourists visiting the country.

The capacity increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance service to key Asian destinations. Between November 2024 and March 2025, Air New Zealand plans to add over 55,000 seats across routes to Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei, with a significant portion allocated to premium cabins.

Specifically, the capacity boost includes 30,000 additional seats for Tokyo, mainly in Business Premier or Premium Economy, 20,000 seats for Singapore, and 7,500 for Taipei. This expansion reflects the airline's commitment to offering customers more options for comfortable and spacious travel.

Air New Zealand's initiative aims to support the tourism economy as New Zealand anticipates a rebound in tourist numbers from Asia. According to Foran, the availability of more premium seats aligns with the growing popularity of these cabins among travelers heading to and from Asia.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who was in Japan with a business delegation, remarked on the longstanding tourism ties between New Zealand and Japan. He expressed optimism about the increased air travel capacity, which is expected to provide a significant economic boost as New Zealand recovers from the slower-than-expected return of Asian tourists post-COVID-19.