On May 23, 2007, Air New Zealand announced that it will more than double capacity between Auckland and Adelaide in the peak summer months.

Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Norm Thompson said the airline had enjoyed very strong demand for the Adelaide-Auckland service launched in March 2006.

"We'd previously announced an increase from three to five flights a week from the beginning of November 2007, but will instead double services to six a week. From February 2008 we'll be offering daily flights," he said.

"In the interim period, from July 23 to end of October 2007, we'll be increasing our seat capacity to Adelaide by 38% through adding a fourth A320 trip per week and upgauging several selected flights to larger B763 aircraft."

Mr Thompson said the new services over the summer months would more than replace the capacity removed by Qantas pulling off the route from late July 2007.

The move is expected to see Air New Zealand gain a larger share of the long-haul market to/from South Australia, as travellers choose to connect to North American flights through Auckland rather than Sydney or Melbourne.