Air New Zealand and Air China are set to begin operating a new route between Beijing and Auckland before the end of the year, following the formalisation of a strategic alliance between the two carriers.
The partnership, which received Cabinet approval, was first signalled when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited New Zealand approximately a year ago. It has now been authorised to run until March 2021.
Under the arrangement, Air China will operate daily flights on the new Beijing-Auckland service from 10 December, using Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Air New Zealand will place its NZ code on those flights. Separately, Air New Zealand will continue running its existing Auckland to Shanghai route using its Boeing 787-9 fleet.
The alliance is expected to open up access to a wider range of Chinese cities through Air China’s extensive domestic network, giving New Zealand-bound travellers more connection options within China. Air China has also committed to actively promoting New Zealand as a tourist destination through its own marketing channels.
Both carriers are members of the Star Alliance group, meaning passengers on either airline will retain their existing frequent flyer benefits, including points earning and redemption and access to airport lounges.
Air China Chief Executive Song Zhiyong said ties between China and New Zealand had been strengthening across economic, cultural and political areas in recent years. Chinese visitor numbers have contributed to New Zealand’s annual tourist arrivals surpassing three million for the first time.
Air New Zealand had previously operated a direct twice-weekly service between Auckland and Beijing but withdrew it in June 2012 following significant losses, shifting its focus to the Shanghai corridor. The new alliance marks a return to the Beijing market for the carrier.
