Oceania Aviation Insider strives to make high-quality content for our readers and has now worked with Warbirds Over Wanaka, the Pacific Airshow, Fly DC3 and many more to document NZ aviation.
You can read some of our work below.
RNZAF to land a C-130H Hercules at retired Air Force base Wigram
At the end of January, the RNZAF retired their fleet of five C-130H Hercules. Rumours of one Hercules landing at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand were confirmed today via a Facebook post and letters sent to local residents.
KFC launches ‘Zing Air’ using a private jet
On Tuesday, KFC announced that they are launching a private jet airline named Zing Air to fly rugby fans from around New Zealand straight from their hometown to a rugby match.
Air Chathams’ DC3 ZK-AWP sold to Darwin, Australia
Recently, Air Chathams has confirmed the sale of its iconic Douglas DC-3, ZK-AWP. The aircraft has now led the country to head to it’s new owners in Darwin.
Origin Air replaces Sounds Air on flights to Westport and Taupo
Amid rising costs, Sounds Air dropped flights between Wellington and Westport as well as Wellington and Taupo. Managing director Andrew Crawford said while demand for flights was strong, costs to operate the flight were too high.
Air Chathams to drop NZ’s only direct link to Norfolk Island
Yesterday, January 21st, Air Chathams announced that from April this year they will no longer fly between Auckland and Norfolk Island.
Starlink inflight wifi becomes available for ATR aircraft
ATR Aircraft confirmed on Tuesday that they have gained certification to implement Starlink inflight wifi onboard ATR turboprop aircraft. The upgrade will be available as a retrofit on all ATR 72s.
Air New Zealand takes delivery of 30th ATR
Recently, Air New Zealand took delivery of their 30th active ATR 72-600. The model first joined the fleet in 2012 and has flown an estimated 33.2 million passengers on more than 600,000 flights. Air New Zealand is the fourth largest operator of the aircraft in the world.
Air New Zealand named worlds safest airline, beating Qantas
Air New Zealand has been named the world’s safest airline for the second year in a row, surpassing Qantas by 1.5 points in the Airlineratings.com rankings. Air New Zealand has held this position since 2024, previously ranking first in 2022. Qantas was first in 2023 and led from 2013 to 2021.
Classic Flyers to kick off the year with an exciting Aero Day
Kicking off the new year will be Classic Flyers’ second annual ‘Aero Day’. With numerous exciting aircraft set to preform for a thrilling day of aviation displays that you won’t want to miss!
RNZAF and RAAF support Vanuatu after 7.3M earthquake
After a large 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday afternoon the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) sent five aircraft to deliver aid to the nation.
The arrival of the Super Hercules to the RNZAF
The Royal New Zealand Air Force just took formal delivery of its new fleet of five C-130J-30 Super Hercules, another milestone for modernizing the RNZAF airlift capability.
Mysterious visit by an Azerbaijan Government G650
Recently, Christchurch airport received a unique visit from the Azerbaijan Government when a Gulfstream G650 touched down in the largest city in the South Island.
Jetstar kicks off largest New Zealand expansion in a decade with new routes and extra capacity
Midway through 2024, Jetstar announced its first major New Zealand expansion in over a decade. The big move is on track to include five new routes across the Tasman as well as an increase in domestic services across New Zealand.
Where to experience an airshow in New Zealand in 2025
With a busy summer ahead featuring plenty of aviation displays including the Classic Flyers Aero Day, and the Classic Fighters Airshow, many aviation events are coming up to suit your inner avgeek.
Flight Review: What’s Air New Zealand’s trans-Pacific offering like?
Recently, one of our editors had the chance to fly on Air New Zealand trans-pacific, between Auckland and Houston onboard a Boeing 777. What was the flight like? Keep reading to find out.
Qatar and Virgin Australia enter partnership allowing long-haul VA flights
Virgin Australia’s new partnership with Qatar Airways, including a 25% stake and leased Boeing 777-300ERs, will relaunch its long-haul international flights in mid-2025, marking a major comeback since its pandemic-era halt in 2020.
RNZAF C130J Super Hercules touches down in Antarctica for the first time
The RNZAF’s first C-130J Hercules flight to Antarctica on November 25 marks the end of 60 seasons of Antarctic operations by the older C-130H aircraft. The new C-130J, begins a new era, ensuring continued support for Antarctic missions in the years ahead.
Air New Zealand’s first Dreamliner with new cabin retrofit nears completion
Long-awaited improvements to Air New Zealand Dreamliner cabins finally are underway. The major refresh of the airline’s Boeing 787-9 fleet has begun, with the first of 14 787-9 jets beginning the retrofitting process at Singapore.
Fiji Airways’ new route to Dallas is almost ready for takeoff
From December 10th, Fiji Airways will begin flying nonstop between Nadi International Airport (NAN), Fiji, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), USA, utilising its modern fleet of Airbus A350-900 XWB jets.
Air New Zealand wants to resume flights to London
Recently, Air New Zealand requested daily aircraft slots at London Heathrow Airport however this request was denied. Although, the airline did receive daily slots at nearby London Gatwick Airport for use as early as July 2025.