Air New Zealand Carries Two Pax Per Flight On Average

It is now a norm that airlines across the globe are operating at bare minimum flight schedule. However, the number of passengers has fallen so drastically that it is quite beyond imagination.

Yesterday, we wrote that Cathay Pacific only carried just 582 passengers on one day this week. While this is already alarmingly low, on Thursday Air New Zealand‘s Chief Revenue Officer, Cam Wallace, shared with us that they only carried 165 passengers out of 89 scheduled flights – that is 2 passengers per flight on average.

Some stark stats that underpin why changing our @FlyAirNZ schedule was imperative. Thurs- we had 89 scheduled flights, we carried 165 pax. Averages suggest distancing at 10 metres wasn’t an issue. I think usually say these number are commercially sensitive, not now! @andykirton

— Cam Wallace (@CamWallace_NZ) April 2, 2020

Among these 89 scheduled flights, 20 of them only had 1 passenger on-board.

Our @FlyAirNZ schedule (for essential workers & cargo) is active. Team have done a sterling job shutting down the previous flights. Yesterday 20 flights operated with one pax on board. At this point I’m looking for a massive discount on our revenue Mgmt algorithms! @andykirton

— Cam Wallace (@CamWallace_NZ) April 2, 2020

Although the passenger counts have been low, Air New Zealand explained that they have to operate these flights to transport essential workers and cargo.

As of 3rd April, Air New Zealand significantly reduced their domestic capacity; representing a 95% cut in total, when compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. Some of these domestic flights have to operate a larger aircraft (A320) as they have larger cargo capacity.

Domestic Schedule From 3rd April Onwards

International Schedule From 30th March to 31st May

In addition to this drastic cut in flight schedules, NZherald reported, on 30th March, that the airline has started to slash their workforce. It was mentioned that 12,500 staff may be laid off, starting with overseas staff first.