With visitor numbers between New Zealand and South Australia continuing to soar, Air New Zealand has announced that it will start flying its twin-aisle Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft between Auckland and Adelaide from October 2017, significantly increasing capacity on the route.

The new, larger aircraft will operate three weekly flights (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) to Adelaide between 26 October 2017 and 25 March 2018. This will boost capacity by 23% and allow passengers to choose from the airline’s latest cabin products, including its new Business Premier and Premium Economy seats for the first time.

An additional three weekly flights will be served by a single-aisle Airbus A320 from 16 December 2017 to 27 January 2018.

“We’re looking forward to introducing the Dreamliner on the Adelaide route. This change is really going to enhance the experience we offer our customers travelling between New Zealand and South Australia with more choice about when and how they fly,” said Air New Zealand’s chief revenue officer, Cam Wallace.

As well as point-to-point services, Air New Zealand is aiming to tap the long-haul market from South Australia, offering connections to North and South America via Auckland.