Monday, August 5, 2024
reading time: 2 minutes
The successful partnership between China Southern Airlines and Christchurch International Airport since 2016 has seen nearly 400,000 passengers arrive, expanding the summer reach.
The partnership between China Southern Airlines and Christchurch International Airport, which began in 2016, has proven to be a huge success. Nearly 400,000 passengers have travelled between New Zealand and China since the service began, prompting the airline to expand its flights this summer to meet the growing demand.
Increased flights for Lunar New Year
To meet the high travel demand, China Southern Airlines will add two additional weekly flights during the Lunar New Year period, offering daily services between December 17, 2024 and February 12, 2025. These additional Tuesday and Thursday flights will complement the five weekly flights introduced last year, significantly boosting seat availability.
Improved travel opportunities
The increase in flights will offer passengers 75% more seats compared to the 2023/24 summer season, providing greater opportunities to celebrate the Lunar New Year in New Zealand or China. In addition, passengers can connect to China Southern’s extensive network, which extends to more than 220 destinations in 40 countries.
Christchurch Airport Welcomes Back China Southern Airlines
Gordon Bevan, General Manager of Aviation Development at Christchurch Airport, expressed his delight at the return of China Southern Airlines, highlighting the potential of the expanded flights to enhance travel opportunities for global travellers keen to explore New Zealand’s diverse tourism offerings.
Aircraft and formations
China Southern will operate the service using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, part of its fleet of more than 650 aircraft. The 787-9s are available in two- or three-class configurations, seating either 297 or 276 passengers, depending on the inclusion of the Premium Economy cabin. The two-class configuration features 28 Business Class seats and 269 Economy Class seats, while the three-class configuration features 28 Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats and 220 Economy Class seats. China Southern’s widebody fleet also includes Boeing 787-8 and 777-300ER aircraft, as well as Airbus A350-900, A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft.
Gateway to New Zealand’s South Island
As the main gateway to New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch Airport plays a vital role in international and domestic travel. With over 20,000 Chinese residents in the Christchurch area, the increase in flights this summer will provide even more reasons to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Snake.
