number_6,
Word is Air New Zealand and Air India have struck a deal, allowing AI to lease one of NZ 744's ZK-SUH for a period of time. Also Air New Zealand has secured a contract (Singapore Gov't), for regular charters between Rockhampton (Queensland, Australia) and Singapore using the 747-400. The charter is spread over 2-3 months, with services commencing soon.
And IIRC, NZ were always going to park at least one of their 747s after the 777 commenced ops. on USA routes and HKG-LHR was inaugurated.
In short, NZ is not in desperate need of planes.
That aside, looking forward to Virgin Blue's expansion into Asia and the United States! Here's hoping they commence services from BNE first
