Air New Zealand has extended their agreement with the Government of Australia to operate flights between Norfolk Island and Australia from August 30, 2021 through August 2023. The carrier will offer up to three weekly flights from both Brisbane and Sydney.
On Thursday (June 12, 2021), Air New Zealand announced that they will establish a crew base in Brisbane, due to an extension of their agreement with the Australian Government to operate flights between Norfolk Island and Australia from August 30, 2021 through August 2023. Under the agreement, the carrier will use an Airbus A320 to provide up to three weekly flight to Norfolk Island from both Sydney and Brisbane. Air New Zealand will establish a temporary pilot and cabin crew base in Brisbane through November 30, 2021, to ensure potential disruptions to the established travel bubble will not impact Norfolk Island connectivity.
In Thursday’s announcement, Air New Zealand’s Chief Operating Officer, Carrie Hurihanganui, said,
"Prior to the trans-Tasman bubble opening, crew operating domestic flights in Australia were required to have been in Australia for 14 days or have arrived in Australia on a quarantine-free flight. This unfortunately resulted in us having to suspend services between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia in February. Having crew based in Australia will ensure we avoid disruption should the Australian border close again.
“Air New Zealand has been operating between Australia and Norfolk Island since 2012, and was the only airline operating scheduled services between Norfolk and mainland Australia during 2020. We know our customers value these services, and we're thrilled to be able to resume the route from late August. We'd like to thank Qantas for stepping in to operate the route over the past few months to ensure continuity of flights for our customers.”
Source: Air New Zealand