Air New Zealand to join forces with Air China
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Air New Zealand and Air China have released details of a proposed alliance.
The partnership would see Air China launch a new daily direct service between Beijing and Auckland, which Air New Zealand would codeshare on. The Chinese carrier would also continue to codeshare on Air New Zealand’s daily Shanghai-Auckland service, which will be operated exclusively by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from late August 2015.
“This proposed alliance brings New Zealand and China closer as our two countries enter the next phase of what is a very strong relationship focused on mutual growth and respect,” said Air New Zealand’s CEO, Christopher Luxon.
“By connecting the Chinese capital with New Zealand again we would provide tourists and business travellers with unparalleled air connectivity between and within each home market.
“I am proud to be able to work with our long term Star Alliance partner, Air China, to ensure these important links make commercial sense, are sustainable and are in the interests of consumers and the wider economies.”
Air China’s CEO, Song Zhiyong, commented; “We are committed to working with our Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand to provide better air connectivity between China and New Zealand in order to meet the growing demand from travellers in both markets.
“The proposed alliance with Air New Zealand allows both flag carriers to build a sustainable air service between Beijing and Auckland and supplement the existing connectivity between China and New Zealand. This service, along with Air New Zealand’s Shanghai-Auckland service, will provide greater benefits to travellers in both countries in the coming years.”
Subject to regulatory approvals, the alliance could commence as early as December 2015.
Comments are closed.