News
Cathay adds Christchurch and applies for extension of Air New Zealand alliance
March 3rd 2017
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways and Air New Zealand (Air NZ) have applied for an extension of their strategic alliance on services between Hong Kong and New Zealand for another five years - to 2022. Read More »
The two partners – Cathay is a member of oneworld and Air NZ belongs to the Star Alliance – said their tie-up has delivered a range of benefits to passengers since its January 2013 launch, including increased frequencies, enhanced connectivity to each carrier’s networks and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
“Through our agreement with Cathay Pacific we have been able to stimulate travel between New Zealand and Hong Kong and importantly grow inbound tourism from this market with visitor numbers up by almost 130% since the alliance was first signed. By extending our alliance we hope to continue to grow these services and continue to deliver a range of benefits to the travelling public,” said Air NZ chief strategy, networks and alliances officer, Stephen Jones.
Cathay director of corporate development and IT, Paul Loo, added: “The alliance with Air NZ has allowed our two airlines to maximise synergies and better meet our customers’ needs. This includes providing them with increased travel options in addition to greater convenience.”
Cathay operates seasonal double daily A350s between Auckland and Hong Kong and Air NZ operates a daily B777-200ER service on the route. From December 2017, Cathay will launch a seasonal service between Hong Kong and Christchurch. Subject to regulatory approvals, the non-stop A350-900 service will operate three times per week from December 1 to February 28. Hong Kong Airlines launched a daily Hong Kong-Auckland A330 route last year.
