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Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines will significantly expand their joint network between New Zealand and Singapore for the Northern Winter 2026 season, increasing capacity into Auckland and introducing new non-stop services into Christchurch.
The expanded schedule, operating between October 25, 2026 and March 27, 2027, is designed to meet growing demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as onward connections across Asia, India and Europe.
Christchurch services added
Air New Zealand will launch three weekly services between Singapore and Christchurch using Boeing 787 aircraft.
Combined with Singapore Airlines’ existing Christchurch operations of up to 12 weekly services, the alliance will offer up to 15 weekly services during the peak travel period between November 2026 and February 2027.
The new Christchurch flights will provide additional access to South Island destinations while strengthening links into Singapore Airlines’ global network.
Capacity boost for Auckland
Air New Zealand will also add four weekly Auckland services using Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft.
Singapore Airlines will adjust its Auckland schedule from three daily services to two daily services and deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft on flights SQ285 and SQ286 throughout the Northern Winter season.
The A380 offers 471 seats across four cabin classes, including Suites, Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.
More than 490,000 seats
The expanded alliance schedule will increase seat capacity between Singapore and New Zealand by 17 per cent from late October 2026.
The additional services will add 72,000 seats, bringing the total number of seats available across the alliance network to more than 490,000 during the season.
Alliance strength
Air New Zealand chief operations and alliances officer Michael Williams says the expansion reflects the strength of the long-running partnership.
“Our partnership with Singapore Airlines plays a critical role in connecting the world to New Zealand and vice versa.
“This Northern Winter expansion gives our customers even more travel options, whether they are visiting New Zealand for business, leisure, or to reconnect with friends and family.
“The introduction of Air New Zealand’s Christchurch services is especially exciting because it creates more options for visitors to access some of New Zealand’s most popular destinations in the South Island, while remaining fully connected into Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network.”
Growing demand
Singapore Airlines senior vice president marketing planning Dai Haoyu says the changes reflect strong demand for travel across the network.
“Our long-standing partnership with Air New Zealand serves the strong demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as onward to key destinations across our global network.
“The deployment of the Airbus A380, with its greater seat capacity and enhanced travel experience, to Auckland, reflects our commitment to this important market.”
Flights are on sale now, with the expanded schedule subject to regulatory approval.
