Air New Zealand Calls on Wamos Air to Boost Summer Travel Capacity

Wet-lease agreement aims to maintain schedule reliability amid global engine supply issues

Wamos Air Returns to Support Air New Zealand Flights

Air New Zealand welcomes back Spanish charter airline Wamos Air to help meet growing summer travel demands across key routes. The partnership addresses ongoing engine supply and maintenance issues, affecting both Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines.

Air New Zealand will wet-lease a Wamos-operated Airbus A330-300 aircraft, complete with crew, from October 30, 2025 to April 30, 2026. The aircraft previously flown by Virgin Atlantic offers 31 Business Premier seats in herringbone layout, 48 Premium Economy, and 185 Economy seats.

Wamos previously flew for Air New Zealand on the Auckland–Perth route between 2022 and 2024 and will reprise that role again.

Temporary Fix to Long-Term Fleet Challenges

The lease provides critical support as Air New Zealand faces constraints from a global shortage in replacement aircraft engines.

Jeremy O’Brien, Chief Commercial Officer, says “Wamos will help the airline maintain reliability during the 2025–2026 peak summer season.”

The wet-lease offers flexibility and operational resilience, allowing Air New Zealand to meet its published schedule without major disruption. The deal ensures customer travel continuity despite global challenges affecting airline fleet maintenance across the aviation industry.

Although route details remain unconfirmed, customers may notice cabin differences compared to Air New Zealand’s 787 Dreamliners.

Wamos Air: A Familiar Name in Air New Zealand’s Playbook

Founded in 2003 and rebranded in 2014, Wamos operates 13 widebody Airbus A330 aircraft primarily for charter and lease operations. The Spanish airline’s role in supporting other carriers has grown, especially when global fleet constraints demand quick operational solutions.

This latest partnership highlights how wet-leasing remains a key tool for airlines navigating maintenance backlogs and parts shortages. Passengers flying with Wamos through Air New Zealand can expect business class comforts, but limited onboard Wi-Fi availability.

As the aviation industry recovers, such strategic collaborations keep aircraft flying and travellers connected without compromising on service standards.