Air NZ, Virgin expand trans-Tasman partnership
Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia will expand the scope of their trans-Tasman partnership with the launch of joint services between Christchurch and Perth.
Set to launch in December 2013, the new twice weekly service will mark the first direct connection between Christchurch and Western Australia in more than 20 years. It will operate on a seasonal basis until late April 2014.
“This is a great time to be linking these two destinations. The West Australian economy continues to grow at a faster rate than the rest of Australia and rebuilding activity is poised to stimulate travel demand within Christchurch and Canterbury,” said Air NZ’s CEO, Christopher Luxon. “Christchurch is also a convenient hub for the whole South Island – particularly now the airport company is providing world class terminal facilities.”
The new service will be operated by Air NZ every Wednesday and Saturday using a Boeing 767 aircraft. Virgin Australia will codeshare on the route.