Latest news with #GordonBevan
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
More China-Chch flights this summer
Photo: Creative Commons China Southern Airlines is expanding its passenger service over summer when it returns to Christchurch Airport. One of the world's major passenger carriers, headquartered in Guangzhou, will start the summer season in November with a 26% boost in capacity and a longer operating window, including the Chinese New Year. The Guangzhou-Christchurch route will go from five flights per week to a daily service from December 18 until March 3. More than 60,000 seats across business, premium economy and economy cabins will be available, as the airline celebrates a decade since it first touched down in Christchurch operating a single charter flight in 2015. Since then, the airline has flown more than half a million passengers to the South Island. The airline's return is expected to provide a faster route for local exporters flying out high-value produce such as cherries, salmon, and other fresh goods into the Chinese market and onto Asia and Europe. Christchurch Airport's GM aeronautical development manager Gordon Bevan said the service would increase capacity for passengers and freight. 'The belly of the aircraft delivers huge value for South Island businesses getting their premium goods to global markets,' he said in a statement. As well as the appeal of flying New Zealand passengers on connecting flights to other destinations, the South Island is home to more than 20,000 Chinese residents, mostly living in the Christchurch area. ChristchurchNZ chief executive Ali Adams said China Southern's service was valued by the city, especially during Chinese New Year. ''For so many in our Chinese community it's an important bridge home. It's a chance to be with loved ones, honour cherished traditions, and feel close to family, even across great distances. It also deepens the cultural and economic bonds between Christchurch and China in a truly meaningful way.' China is New Zealand's third-largest tourism market, with nearly 170,000 holidaymakers visiting last year.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
China Southern Celebrates 10 Years Of Connecting The South Island And China With More Flights, Cargo Opportunity
China Southern Airlines will return to Christchurch Airport for the summer season this November, and it's coming back bigger than ever, with a 26% boost in capacity and a longer operating window that includes the Chinese New Year. The popular Guangzhou–Christchurch service resumes 1 November 2025, initially with five flights per week before ramping up to daily service from 18 December through to 3 March 2026, perfectly timed for peak summer and Lunar New Year celebrations. More than 60,000 seats across business, premium economy and economy cabins will be available, giving South Islanders greater access to China and beyond. This milestone year for China Southern marks a decade since it first touched down in Christchurch operating a single charter flight to prove our market back in 2015. Since then, the airline has flown over half a million passengers to the South Island. For South Island exporters, the return of China Southern means a faster route for high-value produce, cherries, salmon, and other fresh goods, straight into the Chinese market and onto plates across Asia and Europe. 'Every flight carries more than just passengers,' says Christchurch Airport's GM Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan. 'The belly of the aircraft delivers huge value for South Island businesses getting their premium goods to global markets.' China Southern's vast network via Guangzhou connects Kiwis to China and offers easy onward travel to hotspots like Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey and Nepal or further to destinations across China Southern's Asia and Europe network. The South Island is also home to over 20,000 Chinese residents, most of which live in the Christchurch area. Ali Adams, Chief Executive, ChristchurchNZ says, 'China Southern's service means so much to our city, especially during Chinese New Year. For so many in our Chinese community it's an important bridge home. It's a chance to be with loved ones, honour cherished traditions, and feel close to family, even across great distances. It also deepens the cultural and economic bonds between Christchurch and China in a truly meaningful way.' China is New Zealand's third-largest tourism market, with nearly 170,000 holidaymakers visiting last year. The South Island gains directly from these high-value travellers, who stay longer and venture further.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Airport Wins Big As Qantas Boosts Summer Flight
Press Release – Christchurch Airport From 15 December to 26 January, Qantas will operate up to seven additional flights per week to Sydney and up to three additional flights per week to Melbourne, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airlines trans-Tasman schedule. Qantas has announced a major summer uplift for New Zealand – and Christchurch Airport is the big winner with a 47% increase in the number of flights to Sydney and a 26% increase in flights to Melbourne. From 15 December to 26 January, Qantas will operate up to seven additional flights per week to Sydney and up to three additional flights per week to Melbourne, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airline's trans-Tasman schedule. It's great news for Christchurch and the South Island, with more flights offering greater choice and flexibility for Kiwis and helping to attract even more Aussie visitors to experience the South Island's legendary adventures and scenery. Importantly, the new flights have been timed to connect seamlessly with Qantas' international services, offering travellers super convenient links to destinations across Asia and Europe. Whether it's a summer escape to Singapore, a cultural journey through Japan, or a white Christmas in London or Paris, the world just got closer. The additional services also mean families and friends can more easily reconnect over the busy holiday season. Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the extra flights build on Qantas' strong presence at the airport. 'This is fantastic news; it shows Qantas recognises the strength of the Christchurch and the South Island market. These extra flights are a win for tourism, trade and travel. They'll help businesses thrive and give Kiwis even more options.' Christchurch Airport's General Manager Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan, says the boost will be felt across the region. 'Aussies can't get enough of the South Island, and now it's even easier for them to fly straight here. More flights mean more visitors, more spending, and more benefits for our economy.' ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams say 'This is fantastic news for Ōtautahi Christchurch, it will give local businesses in our tourism sector a summer boost, while also supporting the city's exporters and innovators. Christchurch is an exciting destination right now and we can't wait to welcome more of our Australian neighbours to come play in our beautiful city and region.' The new flights can be booked from today
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Airport Wins Big As Qantas Boosts Summer Flight
Qantas has announced a major summer uplift for New Zealand - and Christchurch Airport is the big winner with a 47% increase in the number of flights to Sydney and a 26% increase in flights to Melbourne. From 15 December to 26 January, Qantas will operate up to seven additional flights per week to Sydney and up to three additional flights per week to Melbourne, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airline's trans-Tasman schedule. It's great news for Christchurch and the South Island, with more flights offering greater choice and flexibility for Kiwis and helping to attract even more Aussie visitors to experience the South Island's legendary adventures and scenery. Importantly, the new flights have been timed to connect seamlessly with Qantas' international services, offering travellers super convenient links to destinations across Asia and Europe. Whether it's a summer escape to Singapore, a cultural journey through Japan, or a white Christmas in London or Paris, the world just got closer. The additional services also mean families and friends can more easily reconnect over the busy holiday season. Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the extra flights build on Qantas' strong presence at the airport. 'This is fantastic news; it shows Qantas recognises the strength of the Christchurch and the South Island market. These extra flights are a win for tourism, trade and travel. They'll help businesses thrive and give Kiwis even more options.' Christchurch Airport's General Manager Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan, says the boost will be felt across the region. 'Aussies can't get enough of the South Island, and now it's even easier for them to fly straight here. More flights mean more visitors, more spending, and more benefits for our economy.' ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams say 'This is fantastic news for Ōtautahi Christchurch, it will give local businesses in our tourism sector a summer boost, while also supporting the city's exporters and innovators. Christchurch is an exciting destination right now and we can't wait to welcome more of our Australian neighbours to come play in our beautiful city and region.'
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
More flights from Christchurch to Asia as Singapore Airlines adds 23,000 extra seats over summer
The more frequent schedule is expected to further stimulate the South Island's economy, especially in the tourism and export sectors. Singapore Airlines has flown between Christchurch and Singapore for 39 years, beginning with weekly services in 1986 that increased to five a week by 1999. The airline already operates daily flights between Singapore and Christchurch year-round using the Airbus A350-900, but it has long been committed to improving connectivity and unlocking trade opportunities between the South Island and the city-state. Supplementing the recently announced seats, Singapore Airlines said its outbound freight capacity will increase by 64 tonnes to support New Zealand's export industry. 'This service has always punched well above its weight for Christchurch,' said Christchurch Airport's general manager of aeronautical development Gordon Bevan. 'It's a lifeline for our exporters, a magnet for high-value visitors, and the go-to launchpad for Kiwis heading off to Asia or Europe. 'Adding more flights just takes it up a gear, more choice, more impact, and even more reasons to love what this route brings to our city and region.' Christchurch Airport's chief executive Justin Watson described its 'partnership' with Singapore Airlines as 'one of the most enduring in New Zealand aviation'. 'Their commitment to Christchurch reflects the strength of this route and the loyalty of South Island travellers who have trusted it for so many years. 'Together, we've built something special, and these extra flights are a sign of just how strong that connection remains.' Christchurch Airport, New Zealand's second-largest, has enjoyed a steady boost in international passenger numbers as airlines restore or increase services amid international travel 's post-Covid rebound. International seat capacity grew by 14% during the most recent summer season peak, according to the airport's half-year report released in February. Overall, total passenger numbers have risen to 3.17 million, with international passengers increasing by 11% compared to the same period last year. From January to April 2019, 666,852 international passengers flew in or out of Christchurch Airport, compared to 606,301 over the same period this year – nearly 91% of 2019 levels.
