Air New Zealand expects to be short of planes for at least another two or three years. 

Our national carrier's recording an 18% drop in half-year profit. 

That follows a 65% in full-year profit last year. 

Chief Executive Greg Foran told Mike Hosking they're going into a period when up to 11 aircrafts will be out of action. 

He says it's a bit like playing a rugby match without the front row. 

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