Air New Zealand celebrates 20 years of connecting Auckland and Shanghai

Air New Zealand is celebrating 20 years of flying between Auckland and Shanghai, marking two decades of bringing people together, welcoming visitors to our shores, and helping Kiwi businesses take New Zealand products to the world.

Since launching on 6 November 2006, the route has carried more than 2.2 million passengers and grown from three flights a week to 10 during the peak summer season, strengthening one of New Zealand's important connections with China.

Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Wilkinson, says the anniversary is a proud reminder of the role the airline plays in connecting New Zealand with the global economy.

"For 20 years, we've had the privilege of bringing people together across these two cities. Whether it's families reuniting, students beginning a new chapter, visitors discovering New Zealand for the first time, or Kiwi businesses building critical trade relationships in China, every flight represents an opportunity to connect.

"A route doesn't reach this milestone on its own. It takes the people who operate it, the partners who support it, and the customers who choose to fly with us. I want to acknowledge all of them, in New Zealand and China, for being part of this connection. And 20 years on, we're excited about the opportunities still ahead."  

"As we look to the future, our focus is on targeted growth in markets where we see strong customer demand and opportunities to deliver more for New Zealand. China remains an important market for us, and we're committed to building on this connection to support tourism, trade and the people who rely on it," says Scott Wilkinson.

An important route for New Zealand trade

Beyond connecting people, Shanghai has long been an important cargo connection for Air New Zealand. From fresh lobster and salmon to mussels and milk powder, the airline carries premium Kiwi products to Shanghai, connecting New Zealand exporters with one of the world's largest consumer markets.

"Every time one of our aircraft takes off for Shanghai, it's carrying more than passengers. It's also carrying the hard work of New Zealand farmers, fishers and businesses whose products are sought after around the world," says Scott Wilkinson.

"Air connectivity is particularly important for our exporters, helping them get premium New Zealand products to market and supporting the communities and industries behind them."

In FY26 the airline shipped over 3,500 tonnes of cargo between Auckland and Shanghai including:

• 626 tonnes of salmon and other seafood
• 350 tonnes of cherries
• 190 tonnes of milk powder
• 160 tonnes of health supplements

The route is also an important gateway for Chinese visitors, connecting them with experiences and destinations right across New Zealand

That connectivity has been further strengthened through Air New Zealand's Alliance with Air China, established in 2015.

The Alliance strengthens tourism and trade links between New Zealand and China. Air China connects customers via Beijing and Shanghai to more than 30 destinations across China, while Air New Zealand's domestic network makes it easy for Chinese visitors to travel around New Zealand.

"Tourism supports businesses and communities throughout New Zealand, and we're proud to play our part in bringing international visitors here," says Scott Wilkinson.

"From the moment customers step onboard, we have an opportunity to share a little of what makes New Zealand special, before they even arrive. And through our domestic network, we can help them discover so much more of our country."

Twenty years of memories

For Shanghai-based cabin crew members Karen Lu and Eda Lin, the anniversary holds special meaning. Both joined Air New Zealand in 2006 as part of the original crew recruited ahead of the route's launch, and are still flying with the airline today.

Eda remembers travelling to Auckland for five weeks of training before the inaugural flight, with weekends spent exploring New Zealand so the crew could share their experiences with customers.

"We visited the Bay of Islands and took part in farm days. Those trips helped us understand New Zealand's culture and attractions, so we could share genuine insights with our passengers later."

She also says the people travelling on the route have changed over the years, reflecting the growing connections between the two countries.

"Early on most were tourists or business travellers. Now many passengers have families living in New Zealand."

For Karen, the route has shaped her career, bringing lifelong friendships, cultural experiences and countless memories over the past two decades. One memory stands out in particular from Chinese New Year in 2010, when crew performed a haka for passengers at the aircraft door.

"It was such a spontaneous, special moment. To me, that haka was far more than a performance. It was a living cultural exchange, a heartfelt bridge between New Zealand and China, letting our Chinese guests experience this treasured Māori tradition right before their eyes."

20 years of Auckland–Shanghai milestones

6 November 2006: Air New Zealand launched its first non-stop Auckland–Shanghai service, operating three flights a week on a 313-seat Boeing 777. Mandarin-speaking cabin crew, Chinese-influenced cuisine and Chinese-language inflight entertainment were part of the original offering.

• 31 October 2007: The airline announced two additional weekly services, increasing flights from three to five a week.
• 24 January 2013: Air New Zealand began daily services between Auckland and Shanghai.
• 5 November 2014: Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner made its inaugural flight to Shanghai. As the launch customer for the aircraft, Air New Zealand becomes the first airline to operate the 787-9 into China.
• September 2015: The Air New Zealand and Air China Alliance received approval.
• 30 March 2020: Air New Zealand launched a dedicated cargo flight to Shanghai during the COVID-19 pandemic, carrying premium New Zealand exports including honey and seafood to help keep vital trade links operating.
• 6 November 2026: Air New Zealand marks 20 years of Auckland–Shanghai services, having carried more than 2.2 million passengers on the route.

Air New Zealand currently operates daily non-stop services between Auckland and Shanghai on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with flights increasing to ten per week between 23 January and 20 February 2027 to support demand over Chinese New Year.