Air New Zealand and Air China will launch a new route between Beijing and Auckland this year, as part of their strategic alliance.
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The two national carriers will codeshare on each others’ services between New Zealand and China, under the alliance signed off by Transport Minister Simon Bridges.
“This alliance means travellers will be able to access more flights and lower fares between New Zealand and Beijing and Shanghai, ensuring they have access to a greater range of choices”, Bridges said in a statement.
The new service between Auckland and Beijing, which will see air capacity between the two locations increase by more than 25% year round, is set to begin operating on 10 December.
The Air New Zealand and Air China alliance was initially proposed during President Xi’s visit to New Zealand in November.
“China is our second largest tourist market behind Australia, with visitor arrivals due to double in the next five years”, Bridges said.
Air China chief executive Song Zhiyong said there had been growing economic, cultural and political exchanges between the two countries in recent times and the alliance would help grow air links. Qantas-China Eastern received a draft rejection while Air New Zealand-Air China awaits approval and Air New Zealand-Cathay Pacific needs re-authorisation.
China was also New Zealand’s biggest export destination with annual exports reaching $11.3 billion in September 2014, he said. As of July 2015, Air China had a fleet of 523 passenger aircraft and freighters (including those of the carriers which Air China has a majority stake in).
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Both Air New Zealand and Air China are members of Star Alliance, meaning customers will continue to enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including loyalty earning and redemption and lounge access. China Southern’s achievement in the market is only its first.
