The airline today announced it would fly three times a week to Ho Chi Minh City from next June and says direct flights and the aircraft it will use will allow it to set low prices.
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Tickets for the new route will go on sale next year subject to clearance from the government and the regulator.
On December 10 a new alliance between Air New Zealand and Air China begins with flights from Auckland to Beijing serviced by Air China’s A330-200 aircraft.
Air New Zealand has today announced it’s expanding its Pacific Rim presence introducing New Zealand’s first direct service to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Air New Zealand will initially use a Boeing 767-300 with 224 seats on the route.
Auckland Airport estimated the new service would add 23,500 seats and contribute 9.5 million NZ dollars (6.21 million USA dollars) to the New Zealand economy. Operating relatively smaller available aircraft that might otherwise be surplus to requirements on a seasonal route to test largely outbound market demand is a smart move for Air New Zealand, especially given the airline’s strong domestic brand position and significant ability to sell both directly and through the travel trade.
“Currently over 3,000 visitors from Vietnam visit New Zealand each year, and this new service will hopefully encourage more visitors to come”.
“Traditionally Thailand and Bali have been key holiday spots for New Zealanders, particularly within the youth market, but Vietnam has been growing in recent years”, Berenson said. “It will also provide a direct link for Vietnamese travellers coming to New Zealand and we look forward to welcoming them”, Luxon said.
He expected outbound New Zealand travel to Vietnam would make up about 85 per cent of passengers on the route. At the moment, Vietnam seems to be more of an adventure destination.
Sean Berenson, Flight Centre NZ general manager product says, “South East Asia has always been a popular destination for Kiwis and the new route between Auckland and Vietnam can only mean further good things for our customers keen on this part of Asia”. “We believe the direct flight to Ho Chi Minh is likely to open up the central Vietnam beaches, to become more of a relaxation destination”.
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Air New Zealand starts flying Auckland to Buenos Aires three times a week from December 1 and Auckland to Houston five times a week from December 15.
