Qantas Adds New Service Across Tasman

Qantas Adds New Service Across Tasman
Christchurch-Melbourne launches in time for Christmas holiday period

27 July 2016

Qantas will increase capacity from Christchurch to Australia to support growing trans- Tasman demand and to better link New Zealand to the Qantas Group’s broader global network.

A new daily Christchurch-Melbourne service will begin from 4 December, timed to connect with onward flights to Dubai, London and a wide range of European destinations.

Additionally, flights between Christchurch and Brisbane will grow from three per week to daily from 30 October, timed to connect to Qantas’ Asian and US network via Brisbane.

The changes are made possible by reductions in domestic capacity – particularly in some regional resources markets – that free up flying time within Qantas’ Boeing 737 fleet.

Qantas Regional General Manager New Zealand, Pacific Islands, & South America, Wes Nobelius said the changes were about meeting demand in a flexible way.

“We’re delighted to be opening up more options for our customers on this popular Christchurch route, and we’re able to do that because of the agility we have across our entire fleet,” Mr Nobelius said.

“We’ve put a big focus on making sure that we have the right aircraft on the right routes around the region, plus smart connections to the rest of our international network.”

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns welcomes Qantas' new services and sees the airline as a strong international growth partner for the South Island, with the airline now offering the largest number of international seats it has ever offered into and out of Christchurch.

“We welcome the way Qantas is responding to the strong demand for visiting the South Island and the significant contribution it will make to the island’s regional economies. The airline’s three international hubs offer South Islanders more connections to Australia, Asia and Europe, as well as more connections for international travellers keen to experience our part of the world.

“This will appeal to our high growth markets of China and South East Asia, as well as Japan, Germany and the USA. This gives Qantas a very comprehensive network through Christchurch, which is already experiencing a twenty per cent increase in international traffic in the first couple of months of this financial year,” said Mr Johns.

Tickets will go on sale today and are subject to government and regulatory approvals

ENDS

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