The service also includes a monthly mobile plan for customers using their phones in New Zealand. The travel eSIM plans are available to customers on any mobile network.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien said the launch gives the airline an opportunity to build on its relationship with customers while expanding its business beyond air travel.

"Air New Zealand Mobile is part of our focus on extending our tourism offer to inbound visitors. By bringing together our customer relationships with One NZ's connectivity expertise, we have created something genuinely useful while opening a new revenue opportunity for the airline," O'Brien said.

Travel eSIM plans

Air New Zealand Mobile's travel eSIM plans can be tailored to customers' destinations and travel dates, including key transit locations. For example, a traveller flying from Auckland to London via Singapore can arrange for data to be available in both Singapore and the UK before leaving New Zealand. International visitors can also set up their eSIM and get connected before arriving in New Zealand.

Customers can use the data to navigate, explore, send messages and make voice or video calls through their preferred web and online apps. The travel eSIM plans are available across more than 140 destinations worldwide.

"Whether it's finding your way around New York, discovering hidden gems in New Zealand, booking your next adventure or keeping in touch with loved ones back home, staying connected makes travelling that much easier," Jeremy O'Brien added.

Monthly mobile plan for New Zealand

Customers in New Zealand can also sign up for a prepaid monthly plan that combines calls, texts and data in a single package for use within the country.

Jeremy O'Brien said the new service is another way for the airline to support customers beyond their travel.

One NZ Chief Product and Marketing Officer Joe Goddard said the partnership brings together two New Zealand brands with a focus on keeping customers connected.

"One NZ has a rich history of providing great-value connectivity for Kiwi travelling abroad, keeping them connected as soon as they land. As more travellers embrace eSIM technology, we're working with Air New Zealand to make staying connected even easier, while giving customers more choice for their mobile needs at home" Goddard commented.

The launch comes as demand for eSIM-based roaming continues to increase. Global revenue from travel eSIMs is expected to grow almost five-fold by 2030.

Air New Zealand Mobile will be available from Thursday, November 12. Details of the travel eSIM plans and the monthly New Zealand plan, including pricing, are available on the Air New Zealand Mobile website.