Major international expansion set to boost Christchurch and South Island growth

Launching from late October, the new services mark a significant expansion of international flying from Christchurch, enabled by Air New Zealand's 787 aircraft returning to service after being grounded due to global engine maintenance issues, and new 787 aircraft entering the fleet.

The first Christchurch-Singapore service will depart on 28 October, followed by Christchurch-Narita on 28 November, and Christchurch-Perth on 30 November.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston, says, "New Zealand is a trading nation so being well connected to the world matters. It supports tourism, helps our exporters reach global markets, and ensures people and goods can move reliably. 

"This agreement between Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport reflects a collective focus on long-term practical growth - strengthening direct connections and opening up more opportunities for the South Island.

"With both Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport represented on the Prime Minister's recent Singapore mission, this announcement is effectively the first cab off the rank, showing how stronger international relationships can translate into real opportunities for business and tourism for Christchurch, the South Island and New Zealand exporters," says Minister Upston.

Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a long-term partnership. This will see the airline and airport aligning long-term planning and network development, with both organisations working together to support sustainable growth, improved customer experience, and stronger international connections for the South Island. 

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the MOU reflects the airport and airline's joint view of long-term growth for Christchurch and the South Island.

"As New Zealand's national airline we think about connectivity at a country level - where we can help open up the greatest value and opportunities for customers, for regions, and for the economy. With aircraft returning to service, we're now in the fantastic position of being able to grow again, and we are delighted this is going to happen in the South Island," says Nikhil Ravishankar.

"The three new routes are a deliberate step to reconnect Christchurch directly to major global hubs in Asia, strengthen links into Australia, and change how the South Island connects to the world, including where visitors arrive and how they move through the country. It reflects the strength of our partnership with Christchurch Airport and the work that's gone into building this together."

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive, Justin Watson, says the new routes reinforce Christchurch's position as a long-haul hub and gateway to the South Island.

"This is a landmark moment. Seeing multiple new international widebody services launch from Christchurch builds on the growth already happening across our international network and creates major opportunities for freight exporters, the tourism sector and our wider economy. It reflects our strong partnership with Air New Zealand and our shared focus on growing international connectivity for the South Island," says Justin Watson.  

"New routes don't happen overnight. They take sustained effort, collaboration, and giving airlines and travellers even more reasons to choose Christchurch. That means creating the right conditions for more non-stop services, supporting our partner airlines to grow successfully here, and continuing to strengthen our role as the South Island's international gateway - leading the way in attracting new connections, growing demand, and creating long-term opportunities for tourism, trade and business."

Flights are on sale from today, with services commencing from October subject to regulatory approval.

Notes to Editor

• Air New Zealand previously flew CHC to Singapore in 2020, CHC to Narita in 2015, and CHC-Perth in 2019.