The first service to take off will be the Christchurch-Singapore route, departing for the first time on October 28, with services between Christchurch and Tokyo’s Narita Airport starting on November 28 and Christchurch-Perth services commencing on November 30.
It has been more than five years since any of these routes have been flown by Air New Zealand. The carrier last serviced the Christchurch to Singapore route in 2020, the Christchurch to Perth route in 2019 and the Christchurch to Narita route in 2015.
The new services – all still subject to regulatory approval – are a result of a new partnership between the airline and Christchurch Airport and the return of existing 787 aircraft to service, following engine maintenance issues, alongside new 787s entering service.
Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a view to establishing a long-term partnership in pursuit of delivering better air connections to New Zealand’s South Island.
“The three new routes are a deliberate step to reconnect Christchurch directly to major global hubs in Asia, strengthen links into Australia, and change how the South Island connects to the world, including where visitors arrive and how they move through the country,” said Air New Zealand’s CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar.
“It reflects the strength of our partnership with Christchurch Airport and the work that’s gone into building this together.”
Christchurch Airport’s chief executive, Justin Watson, called the announcement of the three new international services “a landmark moment”.
“Seeing multiple new international widebody services launch from Christchurch builds on the growth already happening across our international network and creates major opportunities for freight exporters, the tourism sector and our wider economy.
“It reflects our strong partnership with Air New Zealand and our shared focus on growing international connectivity for the South Island.
“New routes don’t happen overnight,” said Watson.
“They take sustained effort, collaboration and giving airlines and travellers even more reasons to choose Christchurch.
“That means creating the right conditions for more non-stop services, supporting our partner airlines to grow successfully here and continuing to strengthen our role as the South Island’s international gateway – leading the way in attracting new connections, growing demand and creating long-term opportunities for tourism, trade and business.”
