Air New Zealand boosts Bali, seeks 'temporary' cabin crew

Air New Zealand is planning to boost its seasonal Bali service by 80 percent in 2020 as the holiday island's popularity grows with New Zealanders. The decision will add 30,000 seats compared with the current season and will see the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner services between Auckland and Denpasar’s International Airport increase to up to six a week between April 11 and October 24. READ: Boeing to take $US4.9 billion charge for MAX fiasco The airline currently flies three services a week, increasing to four a week in peak periods such as school holidays. “By extending our flying season by more than two months, ultimately putting on close to 50 extra return flights, it’s going to be easier than ever for Kiwis to experience the beautiful and diverse destination that is Bali,” Air New Zealand chief revenue officer Cam Wallace said. In a separate peak period development, the Kiwi carrier is also on the hunt for temporary flight attendants to fly on its international widebody fleet over the southern summer. The airline said successful applicants would be offered four to six-month temporary contracts and undergo a condensed and intensive regulatory training course before taking to the skies from October. The pays is around $NZ40,000 per year plus allowances that can boost this to as much as $NZ60,000 annually but it will be prorated for the contract term. Air New Zealand General Manager Cabin Crew Leeanne Langridge said she was looking for applicants who were resilient, have high learning agility and a natural passion for people. “While being a flight attendant can be incredibly fun, it’s a demanding role that will push you to perform at your best,” she said. “You need to be able to cope well under pressure and enjoy the fact that no two days are the same.” “Many people tell me that they’ve thought about being a flight attendant at some stage in their lives, so this is a great chance for those people to give it a go.”