Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific and the New Zealand associate minister of transport welcomed the recent announcement by the New Zealand associate minister of transportation to reauthorise for an additional five-years their joint venture alliance.
This approval gives both airlines the New Zealand regulatory signature necessary to continue to offer enhanced travel and connectivity between New Zealand, Hong Kong, and a wider global network.
During peak seasons, both airlines offer 18 weekly services between New Zealand, Hong Kong and Christchurch, including Cathay Pacific’s four-weekly seasonal flight between Christchurch, Hong Kong and 30 October, 2024, to 29 March, 2025.
Air New Zealand first formed an alliance with Cathay Pacific in 2013. Since then, the partnership played a major role in boosting tourism and capacity between New Zealand.
The original partnership included as many as three daily services in peak season between New Zealand, and Hong Kong. This provided more options for passengers and stimulated tourism and trade.
A valuable partnership
Michael Williams, Air New Zealand’s chief alliances and transformation officer, commented on the partnership’s value in connecting New Zealand with Asia and beyond.
Williams said: “Together we have built a network that connects New Zealanders with destinations around the globe, including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and also ensures convenient access to global travellers to explore New Zealand regions via Hong Kong.”
He added that reauthorisation would allow the airlines to continue providing better connectivity for their customers and more travel options as their core market recovers from the pandemic’s impact.
Frosti Lau, regional general manager of Cathay Pacific for the Southwest Pacific, echoed Williams sentiments.
Lau said: “We’ve increased our frequency in New Zealand, and we are proud to be working with Air New Zealand to provide greater choices for both the local market and Hong Kong and its surrounding region. Hong Kong offers a wide range of options for travellers. It is also a gateway that connects New Zealanders with other cities within the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the globe. Through this alliance, Cathay Pacific & Air New Zealand make travel seamless and high-quality across the two airlines.
