Revenue passenger kilometres were 8% higher on a capacity increase of 10.3%. Group load factors were down 1.8% overall to 83.9%.
In its monthly investor update, Air NZ said short-haul passenger numbers increased 3.3%. In the domestic market, demand increased by 6.1% and capacity increased 9.1% due to increased services on the Auckland-Queenstown and main trunk routes. There was growth on regional results resulting from larger aircraft being used. Domestic loads decreased 2.2% to 80.6% as the Kaikoura earthquake affected some services.
The airline said it launched its new domestic network campaign to inspire travellers to discover more of the country.
The "See More of New Zealand" campaign, featuring a commercial and a supporting website launched late last month, sought to drive awareness of the airline’s 21 domestic destinations.
Tasman and Pacific demand increased 3.1% and capacity increased by 7.4% due to increased frequency on the Auckland-Perth route as well as the use of larger aircraft.
Long-haul passenger numbers increased 9.2% compared with November last year. Demand was up 11.2% and capacity was up 12.1%. Loads on long-haul routes was 84%, down 0.7%.
On the Americas-UK routes, demand increased 18.2% and capacity increased 13.5%, due to the Auckland-Houston and Auckland-Buenos Aires routes, as well as increased frequency on the Auckland-Vancouver route. On the Asia/Japan/Singapore routes, demand increased 1.3% and capacity increased 10.1%, reflecting the start of seasonal services between Auckland and Osaka, the airline said.
Loads, although still strong at 81.2%, fell 7.1%.
