AIR
02/09/2015 08:30
GENERAL
PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0830 HRS Air New Zealand Limited (NS)
GENERAL: AIR: Air New Zealand and Air China launch new alliance route
Air New Zealand and Air China have today launched joint sales for a new daily
direct service between Auckland and Beijing after receiving approval from New
Zealand Minister of Transport Hon Simon Bridges to form a strategic alliance.
The alliance between the two national carriers will see air capacity between
Auckland and Mainland China increase by more than 25 percent year round.
Under the alliance Air New Zealand will continue to operate daily between
Auckland and Shanghai and Air China will operate the new service between
Auckland and Beijing. The two carriers will codeshare on each other's
services between New Zealand and China.
The Beijing-Auckland service will begin operating on 10 December this year
and fares will go on sale immediately, with a special limited time
introductory fare from just $539NZD one-way (terms and conditions apply).
The alliance will offer better access to Air China's comprehensive domestic
network for Air New Zealand customers, while Air China customers will have
enhanced access to Air New Zealand's network including domestic New Zealand,
Australia, the Pacific Islands and South America.
Both Air New Zealand and Air China are members of Star Alliance, meaning
customers will continue to enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including
loyalty earning and redemption and lounge access.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the agreement
between the two airlines will help to deepen tourism and business connections
between China and New Zealand.
"China is New Zealand's second largest inbound visitor market and by
collaborating with a strong, well respected home market carrier like Air
China we can work together to grow this market, and benefit customers through
a new direct link between New Zealand and Beijing," says Mr Luxon.
Air China Chief Executive Officer Song Zhiyong says the relationship between
China and New Zealand is going from strength to strength, with increased
economic, cultural and political exchanges in recent years.
"We are committed to working with our Star Alliance partner to meet the
growing demand from travellers in both markets and provide greater benefits
to them," says Mr Song.
Under the alliance Air New Zealand will continue to operate its new Boeing
787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the Auckland - Shanghai route, offering
customers Business Premier, Premium Economy, Economy Skycouch and Economy
seating. Initially Air China will operate A330-200 aircraft between Auckland
and Beijing which feature Business and Economy cabins.
The two flag carriers signed a Statement of Intent to form an alliance in
November 2014. The New Zealand Minister of Transport has authorised the
alliance until 31 March 2021.
Visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz for more information and to book.
Ends
End CA:00269488 For:AIR Type:GENERAL Time:2015-09-02 08:30:56
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