“Seeing them add new destinations, increase frequencies, use bigger aircraft and extend seasons tells us they have real confidence in this market.”
New routes aim to boost travel, tourism and exports across the South Island.
One of the biggest changes comes from Air New Zealand, which will launch three new international services from Christchurch after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the airport.
The MOU sets out an ambition to align on network growth, airport planning, customer experience and the future of aviation.
Air New Zealand will operate three-weekly services to Singapore from October 28, Tokyo Narita from November 28, and Perth from November 30, using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Together, these new services alone will add more than 92,000 seats to the airport’s international network.
Tokyo and Perth services will also stretch beyond the traditional summer season, with Tokyo continuing until May 8 and Perth until May 7.
Singapore Airlines will continue its daily year-round service and add three extra services a week throughout the summer, increasing those flights to five a week during the peak period.
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the schedule is building on the strength and opportunities in Christchurch. Photo / Supplied
Combined with Air New Zealand’s new three-times-weekly Singapore service, South Islanders will have unprecedented choice to reach Singapore and connect onwards to destinations across Asia, Europe and beyond.
On November 22, that growth will result in three Singapore arrivals and departures at Christchurch Airport.
A total of 1560 seats will be available to and from Singapore that day.
Justin Watson said the airline growth is important, but it’s what they deliver for the South Island that matters more.
“Every new flight brings people, trade and opportunity,” Watson said.
“Visitors arriving here spread out across the South Island, supporting accommodation, hospitality, attractions and regional communities, while the same aircraft provide important connections for our exporters.”
The bellies of the aircraft also carry thousands of tonnes of fresh, high-value products such as stone fruit, salmon and shellfish to markets around the world.
New routes will bring more visitors, trade and choice to the South Island. Photo / George Heard
Watson said the scale of the summer schedule also provides South Islanders with something increasingly important – choice.
“For people who live here, more direct services mean fewer connections, more options and easier access to the world,’ he said.
“For visitors, it means the South Island is increasingly somewhere they can fly directly into rather than somewhere they have to reach via another New Zealand airport.
“That’s great for Christchurch, great for our regions and great for the South Island economy.”
ChristchurchNZ chief executive Ali Adams said increased international connectivity strengthened Christchurch’s visitor economy and international standing.
“What we’re seeing this summer hasn’t happened by accident,” Adams said.
“Christchurch Airport has worked consistently with airlines and destination partners like us to build confidence in our city and the wider South Island.
“This schedule gives us an opportunity to turn that connectivity into lasting value for our visitor economy and our communities.”
Minister for the South Island James Meager said the extra flights create growth and opportunity across the mainland.
“This is exactly the sort of connectivity the South Island needs to keep growing,” Meager said.
“More direct flights into Christchurch will bring more visitors into our towns and regions, open up more opportunities for local businesses and exporters, and make it easier for Kiwis to connect with the world.
“This is a real vote of confidence in the South Island, and all we have to offer.”