Air New Zealand announces second London service via Asia
Air New Zealand today announced plans to launch a second daily service between Auckland and London flying via Hong Kong to London Heathrow Airport.
Commencing on 28 October 2006, the second service doubles Air New Zealand’s current capacity between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“Demand for travel between the United Kingdom and New Zealand has grown significantly since we first launched a daily service in 1998, with annual arrivals to New Zealand increasing by more than 10 percent on average,” said Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airlines, Ed Sims.
“Over this time we have invested heavily to promote New Zealand as a destination, and this year, we will be increasing our current advertising and promotional spend by 50 percent in the United Kingdom and Europe markets to ensure we drive further growth,” he said.
“The additional capacity will leave us better placed to take advantage of the demand we have created, especially during peak seasons when our flights are 90 to 100 percent full. More excitingly, we can stimulate new demand with higher frequency and new routing options, including the world’s only current round-the-world service on one airline.
“We will also be the only Star Alliance carrier to operate between Hong Kong and London, which is fantastic news for our Star partners and customers,” said Mr Sims.
Air New Zealand will operate the route utilising newly refurbished Boeing 747-400 aircraft. The 393-seat aircraft includes 46 lie-flat Business Premier seats, 23 Pacific Premium Economy seats and 324 seats in Pacific Economy.
Mr Sims said Air New Zealand’s research has found New Zealanders prefer to fly their national carrier to and from United Kingdom.
“Kiwis have recognised that one of the world’s longest journeys is more enjoyable on our new long-haul service featuring lie-flat beds in Business Premier, extra comfort and legroom in Pacific Premium Economy, and on-demand digital video entertainment and more personal space in every seat,” he said.
Graham Muldoon
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps