Airlines in New Zealand - Industry Market Research Report

Looking up: Airlines are cautiously expanding their passenger capacities as demand takes off

The pandemic and resulting restrictions on air travel brought most air travel activity to a standstill between March 2020 and July 2022. The extraordinary revenue losses during this period have contributed to industry-wide revenue declining at an anticipated annualised 1.9% over the past five years. Revenue is expected to continue recovering and jump by 16.8% in 2023-24, to total $6.8 billion. International passengers to and from New Zealand, previously the industry's largest market, declined by over 90.0% during the pandemic. Domestic flight revenue also fell sharply, despite lighter restrictions on travel than those imposed on overseas travellers. Nonetheless, substantial growth in the airfreight services segment during this period partially limited the industry's decline. Now that borders have reopened, careful capacity expansion by airlines is limiting a recovery in passenger numbers, although high airfares are bolstering industry revenue and profitability. Airlines operate scheduled passenger flights to, from, and within New Zealand. The industry also includes airlines that operate scheduled domestic and international airfreight services. This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.