Qantas will increase capacity from Christchurch to Australia to support growing trans-Tasman demand and to better link New Zealand to the group’s global network.
A new daily Christchurch-Melbourne service will begin from 4 December, timed to connect with onward flights to Dubai, London and a range of European destinations.
Additionally, flights between Christchurch and Brisbane will grow from three per week to daily from 30 October. These have been timed to connect to Qantas’ Asian and US network via Brisbane.
The changes are made possible by reductions in domestic capacity, which have freed up flying time within the airline’s Boeing 737 fleet.
Qantas regional general manager New Zealand, Pacific Islands and South America Wes Nobelius says the changes are about meeting demand in a flexible way.‘We’re delighted to be opening up more options for our customers on this popular Christchurch route,’ Nobelius says.
Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns welcomes the new services, and sees the airline as a strong international growth partner for the South Island.
The airline now offers the largest number of international seats it has ever provided into and out of Christchurch, he says. ‘South Islanders will have more connections to Australia, Asia and Europe.’Tickets will go on sale today and are subject to government and regulatory approvals.
A TravelInc press release July 27, 2016
