AIR
09/10/2015 08:31
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0831 HRS Air New Zealand Limited (NS)
GENERAL: AIR: United Airlines enters NZ market in cooperation with Air NZ
Air New Zealand welcomes today's announcement by United Airlines that it will
enter the New Zealand market, launching a San Francisco - Auckland service
from July next year.
Air New Zealand and United Airlines have a longstanding partnership and in
April this year signed a Statement of Intent to deepen and further define
this alliance on routes between New Zealand and mainland USA.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says United
Airlines has supported Air New Zealand in launching its new Auckland -
Houston service and today's announcement is another important step in
expanding the partnership, with the airlines working together to promote both
carriers' services between Auckland and San Francisco.
"The United States is New Zealand's third largest tourism source market,
contributing almost a billion dollars to our economy in the past financial
year. We know there are more than 30 million Americans actively considering
New Zealand as a holiday destination. To have a partner carrier with a
network like United Airlines promoting destination New Zealand and attracting
visitors through its immense sales and distribution channels will provide a
significant boost to inbound tourism," Mr Luxon says. "We look forward to
working together with United to continue to build the links between New
Zealand and the U.S."
United Airlines Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer Jim Compton says
"We're very excited to add Auckland to United's industry-leading global route
network. In addition to direct service to San Francisco, our New Zealand
customers will benefit from United's expansive network across the U.S.,
Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America."
"We have a long history of working together with our partners at Air New
Zealand to provide customers with expansive travel options across and between
the United States, New Zealand, and beyond. With the launch of United's new
San Francisco service and Air New Zealand's new Houston service, we are
expanding our partnership, and bringing the benefit of even more service
options to the traveling public." said Mr. Compton.
Subject to United Airlines obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals it
will begin operating a three times weekly 787-8 service between San Francisco
and Auckland from July, moving to daily services operated by a larger 787-9
aircraft from November 2016.
Air New Zealand currently operates a daily service from Auckland to San
Francisco, 18 return services per week from Auckland to Los Angeles, four
services per week to Vancouver and four services per week to Honolulu. From
December 15 the airline will also commence direct services from Auckland to
Houston five times per week.
Ends
For further information please contact Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64
21 747 320
End CA:00271513 For:AIR Type:GENERAL Time:2015-10-09 08:31:17
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