Cathay Pacific confirms first Christchurch-Hong Kong seasonal air link

Cathay Pacific has confirmed an earlier NBR report that the Hong Kong-based airline will introduce a new seasonal service to Christchurch from December.

This will directly link the two cities by air for the first time and complement the airline’s existing services to Auckland run in conjunction with Air New Zealand.

The non-stop Christchurch route, which is subject to government approval, will operate three times per week, departing Hong Kong on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using the latest Airbus A350 aircraft.

The service will run from December 1 to February 28.

Cathay Pacific's director corporate development and IT, Paul Loo, says the new Christchurch service will meet customer demand for travel to New Zealand throughout the southern hemisphere’s peak summer months. 

"Christchurch, and indeed the South Island as a whole, is a magnificent part of the world, so we are really excited to be able to connect this new and breathtaking destination direct with our Hong Kong home,” he says.

Alliance extended
Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand have extended their strategic alliance on services between Hong Kong and New Zealand for a further five years until 2022, subject to continuing regulatory approvals.

NBR earlier reported government approval for the alliance may have been conditional on Cathay Pacific having access to an airport beyond Auckland and now that a third airline, Hong Kong Airlines, has brought competition to the route.

Air New Zealand's chief strategy, networks and alliances officer, Stephen Jones, says the alliance has increased visitor numbers by almost 130% since it was first signed.  

"By extending our alliance we hope to further grow these services and continue to deliver a range of benefits to the travelling public,” he says.

Cathay Pacific has expanded its long-haul network significantly in recent times.

In March, it will commence a four-times-weekly service to Tel Aviv, while July sees the introduction of a four-times-weekly seasonal operation to Barcelona.

These new services follow the addition of both Madrid and Gatwick in 2016.