Air New Zealand brings back Wamos Air on Auckland-Perth
It’ll be a case of deja vu for some passengers jetting across the Tasman in the new year.
By Chris Ashton, December 13 2023
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.
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 205
When the first email arrived, announcing a change of flight number, was suspicious that something else was going on, so checked the aircraft type. About four hours later, another email explaining that aircraft had changed. But Wamos J seat looks ok.
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
16 Oct 2017
Total posts 157
It's a bit rich that PE will be "reaccommodated" into Y, even with a fare adjustment. Some people don't want Y, which is how come they book PE. Money back if requested is the only fair process. Not a credit, money back.
18 Mar 2014
Total posts 98
The article doesn't state this, but the policy says that "Customers wishing to cancel their travel because of the flight being operated by Wamos Air may opt for a full refund regardless of fare rules."
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