Air New Zealand wasn’t kidding when it said it wanted to pull out of Virgin Australia and concentrate on its own growth.
The Kiwi carrier has announced a new direct three times weekly flight to Manila in the Philippines commencing in December.
The service is the latest move from the airline to expand its presence in Asia and follows last year’s decision to fly to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and utilising its partnership with Air China to commence daily joint flight to Beijing.
Air New Zealand’s Boeing 767-300 aircraft will be utilised on the new flights, which will take around 10 and a half hours in each direction.
According to the carrier’s Chief Executive, Christopher Luxon, new flights will accommodate the growing Filipino population living in New Zealand, which has tripled since 2001.
“The number of visitors from the Philippines is also continuing to grow rapidly, up more than 20 percent in the past year alone so we’re anticipating that demand for this service will be steady in both directions.”
Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand Chief Executive
“As the only non-stop service between New Zealand and the Philippines, our flight will be quicker and more convenient for travellers than the fastest current option which flies indirect, potentially saving up to two and a half hours each way.”
The addition of Manila brings the total number of Air New Zealand’s international destinations to 32.
Tickets will go on sale mid-year, subject to government and regulatory approvals.