China Southern Airlines launches direct route from Auckland today

The inaugural New Zealand flight for one of the world’s largest airlines touched down in Auckland this afternoon. China’s largest airline, China Southern Airlines, is officially launching a direct service between Auckland and Guangzhou. A new air link between is expected to create huge growth opportunities, and Auckland Airport chief executive Simon Mouter said it is huge milestone for Auckland and the country. It will initially operate three days a week with Airbus A330 planes arriving and departing Auckland on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mouter is confident the airline will eventually establish a daily service. Prime Minister John Key welcomed the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou this afternoon. “This is a very significant development which will have substantial benefits for New Zealand business, tourism and exporting,” said Key. The 70-strong Chinese delegation will then travel on to Queenstown, arriving next week for a showcase of New Zealand tourism. The airline, which extends to 64 of China’s 94 airports, has pledged $10 million for a marketing campaign promoting New Zealand as the ultimate tourist and business destination, and hopes to increase visitor demand between the two countries. “This is a huge development, with Auckland Airport advising the service is expected to bring an additional 25,000 visitors per year to New Zealand and generate $75 million to the New Zealand economy,” Key said today. The numbers of Chinese visitors to New Zealand has been growing recently, with a new record annual high of 127,800 reached in January. Chinese tourists are among the highest spending when in New Zealand too, spending on average $300 a night. China Southern Airlines operates a fleet of 420 aircraft, servicing 172 cities in 30 countries and regions around the world. In 2010 the airline carried 76.5 million passengers around the globe.

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