Victorians and New Zealanders have a new way to cross the ditch, with China Airlines commencing flights between Melbourne and Auckland for the first time on Tuesday. But this isn’t any ordinary service.
Travellers will also have the chance to fly on lie-flat seats between Australia and New Zealand – a rarity on Trans-Tasman services – with China Airlines utilising its A350 aircraft on the route.
Along with its business class product, the Taiwanese carrier will also offer premium economy and full-service economy services.
An extension of China Airlines’ Taipei-Melbourne service, the new flights kick off as the busy holiday season comes into view, with over 3,000 seats added on the route.
Flight CI057 runs daily except Monday and Saturday, leaving Melbourne at 13:40 and landing in Auckland at 19:05. Flight CI058 departs Auckland at 21:05, touches down in Tullamarine at 22:55, and continues to Taipei at 00:25.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said the new service would help ease pressure on Trans-Tasman airfares, calling it a win-win for Aussies and Kiwis.
“China Airlines’ decision to extend its Taipei-Melbourne route to Auckland provides travellers with a high-quality and competitive option to cross the Tasman,” he stated.
“With the December school holidays almost upon us, families and holidaymakers will benefit from increased capacity at a time when demand is at its peak.”
Parashos also flagged the “new opportunities for New Zealanders to connect to Asia via Melbourne, opening up a gateway to Taipei and beyond”.
“The additional flights bring much-needed competition to the trans-Tasman market, helping to drive down airfares and providing greater choice for passengers,” he remarked.
“It’s a win for consumers on both sides of the Tasman.”
Taipei-based China Airlines announced it would commence flights between Melbourne and Auckland in June this year.
