Singapore Airlines boosts summer flights into Christchurch
Some 27 extra flights will run from December to mid-February.
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In a further boost to the South Island tourism industry, Singapore Airlines will operate 27 supplementary flights to Christchurch from December 2 through to February 15, 2016.
The airline says the extra capacity is a result of strong demand for travel to the South Island over the summer holidays.
During this period, Singapore Airlines will increase its daily service by 9-10 flights a week and all will be operated by refitted Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.
The supplementary flights represent an additional 7290 seats into Christchurch, country manager Edwin Chiang says.
Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns says the extra flights will boost local tourism and exporting.
“That [increase in seats] will bring an additional $15 million in visitor spending. Given 75% of the international visitors that arrive via Christchurch also visit other areas this will have a positive impact on our regional economies,” he says.
“This is also excellent news for our exporters, enabling them to transport an extra 378 tonnes of high value/time sensitive air freight to fast growing Asian markets."
The revamped 777s offer a full-flat bed for business class customers and a 15.4in LCD monitor for in-flight entertainment.
Economy passengers will get increased personal space and legroom in a 3-3-3 seat configuration plus full access to the entertainment system.
Christchurch Airport has also been successful in wooing other Asian carriers. Taiwan’s China Airlines runs a regular scheduled service from Taipei and China Southern operates charter flights around Chinese New Year.
Air New Zealand dropped its weekly Tokyo-Christchurch route in favour of Auckland but also runs charter flights during summer season.
Another international airline to boost its Christchurch service is Fiji Airways, which this week will double its scheduled flights to two a week.
Nevil Gibson
Tue, 23 Jun 2015
Tue, 23 Jun 2015
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Singapore Airlines boosts summer flights into Christchurch
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