(Updates with latest stock movements in the last paragraph.)
Air New Zealand (ASX:AIZ, NZE:AIR) expects a fiscal year 2026 loss before taxation in the range of NZ$340 million to NZ$390 million, based on current trading conditions and an assumed average jet fuel price of around $145 per barrel for the second half, according to Thursday filings with the Australian and New Zealand bourses.
The revised outlook remains subject to material uncertainty, including continued volatility in jet fuel prices and refining margins, global economic conditions, and demand conditions. The airline is around 85% hedged against its fiscal year 2026 second-half Brent crude exposure following recent capacity consolidations. It is around 55% hedged on Brent crude for the first half of fiscal year 2027 and is actively managing its hedging profile.
Fare increases were implemented, but recovering the full impact of higher fuel costs over a short period would risk further demand softness, the company noted. It has made three targeted capacity consolidations to date, reducing overall group capacity since the start of the conflict in the Middle East by around 3% to 5% across its various networks.
The airline is reviewing upcoming capital expenditure plans, noting there will be near-term capital expenditure deferrals because of delays from aircraft manufacturers. It identified up to NZ$100 million of annualized cost savings to date, which will flow through into fiscal year 2027 and beyond.
It is in the final stages of establishing a $400 million secured revolving credit facility to raise financing against part of its existing unencumbered aircraft pool.
Its shares fell past 3% on the New Zealand bourse in recent Thursday trade and declined over 4% on the Australian exchange. Meanwhile, shares of Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) were down nearly 1%.