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Air New Zealand, Air China propose new service between Beijing and Auckland

Air New Zealand and Air China have entered a new partnership that will see new direct services between the two destinations.

Air New Zealand and Air China have entered a new partnership that will see new direct services between the two destinations.

 

Subject the regulatory approval, the two national flag carriers have proposed a new service between Beijing and Auckland that will operate in addition to Air New Zealand’s existing flights between Shanghai and Auckland.

The airlines expect the agreement to offer customer more choice when travelleing between China and New Zealand.

Air New Zealand’s chief executive Christopher Luxon said deeper relations between the two airlines would facilitate business and tourism links between China and New Zealand.

He noted that operating in China remains a challenge for the carrier and working with Air China will offer new opportunity and potential for growth.

“China is New Zealand’s second largest inbound visitor market and we expect interest in visiting New Zealand to continue to grow amongst Chinese travellers,”

Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand chief executive

Air New Zealand 2

Image: Tupungato/Shutterstock

According to Air China’s chief executive Song Zhiyong, outbound Chinese tourists have increased by double digits over the past three years.

He said New Zealand is an important market for Chinese travellers and new flights would promote further tourism between the two destinations.

“New Zealand is one of the most important markets for outbound travel from China and Air China is confident about the promising future of this market, particularly considering the airline’s close ties with Air New Zealand, an innovative airline full of vitality and dynamism.”

Song Zhiyong, Air China chief executive

Do you think more services are needed between China and New Zealand?