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Air New Zealand has announced three new non-stop international services from Christchurch Airport to Singapore, Tokyo (Narita) and Perth as part of a new partnership aimed at strengthening South Island connectivity.
The new routes will launch from late October, marking a significant expansion of Christchurch’s international network.
Christchurch-Singapore services will begin on October 28, followed by Christchurch-Narita on November 28 and Christchurch-Perth on November 30.
Air New Zealand says the expansion has been enabled by Boeing 787 aircraft returning to service following global engine maintenance issues, alongside additional 787 aircraft entering the fleet.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says stronger international connectivity supports tourism, trade and freight movement.
“This agreement between Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport reflects a collective focus on long-term practical growth – strengthening direct connections and opening up more opportunities for the South Island,” Upston says.
She says the announcement followed the Prime Minister’s recent trade mission to Singapore, which included representatives from both Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport.
Long-term partnership
Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport have also signed a memorandum of understanding focused on long-term network planning and international growth.
The agreement will see both organisations working together on sustainable growth, customer experience improvements and expanded international connections for the South Island.
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the airline is now in a position to resume international growth.
“With aircraft returning to service, we’re now in the fantastic position of being able to grow again, and we are delighted this is going to happen in the South Island,” Nikhil says.
“The three new routes are a deliberate step to reconnect Christchurch directly to major global hubs in Asia, strengthen links into Australia, and change how the South Island connects to the world.”
Nikhil says the routes would also influence where international visitors arrive and how they travel around New Zealand.
Christchurch positioning strengthened
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson says the additional services reinforce Christchurch’s role as the South Island’s international gateway.
“This is a landmark moment,” Justin says.
“Seeing multiple new international widebody services launch from Christchurch builds on the growth already happening across our international network and creates major opportunities for freight exporters, the tourism sector and our wider economy.”
Justin says developing new routes required sustained collaboration between airlines, airports and tourism organisations.
“That means creating the right conditions for more non-stop services, supporting our partner airlines to grow successfully here, and continuing to strengthen our role as the South Island’s international gateway.”
