Bengaluru, May 20 : Air New Zealand is strengthening connections between India and New Zealand, with increased capacity and improved access via Singapore.
This includes a new Singapore-Christchurch route, which complements Air New Zealand’s existing Auckland-Singapore route and is part of a broader capacity increase over the peak season that will be announced later in the month.
The new Christchurch service, which will operate three days a week, will see over 34,000 seats operating on the route during the season, significantly increasing the options available for Indian travellers to New Zealand via Singapore.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the changes significantly improve how India connects to New Zealand and vice versa.
“We’re seeing strong demand in both directions for travel between India and New Zealand, whether that’s for tourism, education, business or visiting family and friends.
“By increasing capacity through Singapore, we’re making it easier for Indian travellers to get to New Zealand, with more choice, better connections and more efficient journey times,” says Nikhil Ravishankar.
“The introduction of our new Christchurch services also opens up more direct access to the South Island - one of New Zealand’s most sought-after destinations - without the need for multiple connections. What sets Air New Zealand apart is the strength of our domestic network - from Christchurch and Auckland, we can also quickly connect customers to another 18 destinations across New Zealand, so it’s easy to explore multiple regions in one trip.”
Air New Zealand’s Christchurch-Singapore services, will be operated by its retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the first time on this route, offering an enhanced onboard experience across all cabins, as well consistency with the new 787 aircraft joining the fleet on other routes.
The retrofitted aircraft feature redesigned Business Premier seating, an all-new Premium Economy experience, and refreshed Economy cabins, along with improved inflight entertainment and a focus on comfort for long-haul travel.
Christchurch flights are on sale now, with new services operating from October through the Northern Winter season, subject to regulatory approval.
