Air New Zealand has extended its long-established alliance with Air China.
It has been active more than a decade and has been responsible for carrying nearly half a million travellers to New Zealand from China.
The airlines say it has generated about NZD3 billion to the New Zealand economy since then.
“The Alliance continues to improve access between New Zealand and key destinations across China, while supporting inbound tourism and business links,“ said Air New Zealand Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer Mike Williams.
The partnership enables up to 17 return flights per week between the nations during peak periods.
Of these, Air China operates 10 services and Air New Zealand the other seven.
For Kiwis travelling to China, the alliance enables onward connections to over 30 Chinese cities via Air China’s domestic network.
The alliance has been extended for another five years, says Associate Transport Minister James Meager.
“It supports more flights, better connections and more choice for travellers, while helping to grow the economy,” Meagher said.
