Air New Zealand and Air China Launch New Alliance Route

Under the alliance Air New Zealand would continue to operate its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the Auckland, Shanghai route.

Star Alliance members Air New Zealand and Air China have 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 is expected to 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 December 10 this year and fares will go on sale immediately, with a special limited time introductory fare.

The alliance will offer better access to Air China’s comprehensive domestic network for Air New Zealand customers, while Air China passengers will have enhanced access to Air New Zealand’s network including domestic New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and South America.

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 March 31, 2021.

The GSA for Air New Zealand in Greece is Discover the World Greece & Cyprus.