Air New Zealand – Air China Alliance renewed through to 2031
The decision reflects the Alliance's role in supporting air links between New Zealand and China, as well as tourism and trade between the two countries.
Since launching in 2015, more than 480,000 visitors have travelled to New Zealand via Beijing and Shanghai through the Alliance, contributing an estimated NZD $3 billion to the New Zealand economy over the past decade. In 2025 alone, the Alliance brought more than 56,000 visitors to New Zealand, with an estimated economic contribution of NZD $379 million.
Air New Zealand Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer Mike Williams says the reauthorisation is a positive outcome for customers and New Zealand's wider economy.
"The Alliance continues to improve access between New Zealand and key destinations across China, while supporting inbound tourism and business links with one of our largest trading partners.
"This decision reflects the role the partnership plays in strengthening international connectivity between our two countries."
Ms. Li Dong, the Co-Chairman of Commercial Committee of Air China, states that deepening cooperation ensures the long-term commitment to building a solid air bridge between China and New Zealand.
"Through continuous collaboration in elevating passenger services and experience in a more sustainable manner, the Alliance partnership is committed to making its utmost contributions to strengthening the ties and boosting trade, tourism, culture and personnel exchanges between the two important countries."
Through the Alliance, customers benefit from more travel options and improved connectivity. During peak periods such as Chinese New Year, the partnership supports up to 17 return services per week between New Zealand and China, with Air China operating up to 10 services and Air New Zealand up to seven.
The Alliance provides access to more than 30 destinations across China through Air China's domestic network via Beijing and Shanghai, while also making it easier for visitors from China to connect onwards through Air New Zealand's domestic network to destinations across New Zealand.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Hon Louise Upston says, "China is one of New Zealand's most important tourism markets, with average visitor spend at $5,800. This announcement is great news for maintaining direct connectivity between our two countries, with capacity now at 110% of 2019 levels. We are ready to welcome more Chinese visitors, and direct connectivity is crucial for supporting the Government's efforts to increase visitor numbers and drive further economic growth throughout the country."
Associate Transport Minister Hon James Meager says the authorisation's renewal for a further five years is positive for New Zealand.
"Maintaining this agreement is incredibly beneficial. It supports more flights, better connections and more choice for travellers, while helping to grow the economy and keep the aviation system running efficiently."
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com