Air New Zealand has begun consulting employees over potential changes affecting maintenance roles in Christchurch.

Chrislynchmedia.com understands nine light-maintenance staff at the airline’s Christchurch maintenance division could be made redundant.

Air New Zealand was asked to confirm the number of employees affected and explain the reasons for the proposed redundancies.

The airline confirmed consultation was under way.

“As we’re currently consulting with our people on this matter, it isn’t appropriate for us to comment on potential outcomes, including any possible changes to roles,” an Air New Zealand spokesperson said.

“Our focus right now is on supporting our people through the consultation process, and we’ll communicate any decisions with those affected first once the process has concluded.”

Air New Zealand did not provide further details about what prompted the proposal or when consultation was expected to conclude.

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The consultation comes as the airline works to reduce costs following a difficult financial year.

Air New Zealand reported a $59 million loss before tax for the first half of the 2026 financial year, compared with a $144 million pre-tax profit during the same period a year earlier.

It recorded a net loss after tax of $40 million and did not declare an interim dividend.

The airline attributed the result to global engine-maintenance delays, a slower-than-expected recovery in domestic demand, rising costs across the aviation system and a weaker New Zealand dollar.

In May, Air New Zealand forecast a full-year loss before tax of between $340 million and $390 million, based on the trading conditions and fuel-price assumptions applying at the time.

It said its expected fuel bill for the second half of the financial year had increased from about $740 million to approximately $980 million, creating a $240 million headwind to its expected annual result, including the effects of hedging.

The forecast also included about $50 million in unexpected maintenance costs for leased engines.

Air New Zealand said it had identified up to $100 million in annualised cost savings expected to take effect from the 2027 financial year onwards.

In June, the airline announced a wider strategy reset focused on returning the business to profitability, improving reliability, targeting growth in higher-return markets and transforming its cost base.

Air New Zealand has not said whether the proposed changes affecting Christchurch maintenance staff are connected to that cost-reduction programme.

No final decision on the Christchurch roles has been announced.