There could be further flight cancellations as A320 jets are grounded globally for an urgent software upgrade.
About 6000 Airbus A320 aircraft around the world are affected by a recall for a software upgrade.
Airline passengers around New Zealand have been caught up in cancellations.
Jetstar expected to have all its affected aircraft ready overnight, and Air New Zealand anticipated its aircraft would be back in service by Sunday evening.
Disruptions will likely continue, though, as airlines deal with a backlog of flights.
Air New Zealand’s chief safety and risk officer Nathan McGraw said about 20 flight cancellations were expected, with the flight schedule expected to return to normal on Monday.
Jetstar’s chief pilot and head of flying operations Tyrone Simes said on Saturday swift action had been taken by authorities and the manufacturer.
“I think the authorities in Europe and the manufacturer have done a great job in identifying this issue very promptly, they’ve issued a directive within 24 hours of the anomaly being identified.”
As of 3.30pm on Saturday, Jetstar said 20 of its 34 affected aircraft were ready to return to service.
Jetstar have already cancelled approximately 90 flights.
Air New Zealand’s affected customers are able to make one free change within seven days of their original travel date, hold the value of their fare in credit for twelve months, or request a refund, including for non-refundable fares.
While Jetstar said their teams were working on options and were contacting affected customers directly.
rnz.co.nz
