Christchurch Airport has been working closely with its airline partners to introduce a summer package that will see a 25% increase in seat capacity on long-haul international routes compared to last summer.
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says, “This increase in seat capacity reflects the strength of our partnerships with airlines and the strong demand for Christchurch as a key gateway to the South Island.”
This expansion will offer more travel options, welcome tens of thousands of visitors to experience the South Island and energise the local economy by boosting both tourism and commerce through increased air capacity.
“We’re excited to see our international connections continue to grow, giving travellers more choice and making Christchurch a vital hub for both people and commerce,” says Mr Watson.
United Airlines returns in early December, resuming its Dreamliner 787 service between Christchurch and San Francisco three times a week, just in time for summer travel.
Qantas plans to increase its Tasman capacity and increase flights to Brisbane and Melbourne by 12 per week by late October.
Jetstar is also expanding, adding 180,000 extra seats starting mid-December. This includes more domestic flights and the addition of an Airbus A320 to its New Zealand fleet, the first fleet expansion in over a decade. Jetstar’s weekly flights from Christchurch will increase to Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Cairns, and Auckland.
From late November to mid-February, Singapore Airlines will add an evening service, boosting weekly flights from seven to ten. This will offer a second daily service that enables smooth connections across Asia.
China Southern Airlines resumes flights to Christchurch from late October through March, increasing services from three to five per week. Daily flights will be available during the Chinese New Year period, from 17 December to 12 February.
Cathay Pacific will return with four weekly flights until late February 2025, adding one more than last season, using the larger Airbus A350-1000. This represents an 88% increase in seat capacity compared to the previous year. Cathay will operate three flights per week in March with the Airbus A350-900.
Freight capacity is set to expand, with the cargo holds of these aircraft carrying valuable exports such as cherries to China, fresh salmon to the USA, and other fresh goods to global markets. This growth in air freight will provide a significant boost to the South Island economy.
Qantas Freight has increased its cargo operations by 31% over the summer, adding more freighter services. Its five weekly flights to Sydney via Auckland now use the more fuel-efficient A32P2F aircraft, with the addition of a new weekend service and a new connection to Melbourne.
Auckland capacity is also ramping up, with up to 23 flights per day between Christchurch and Auckland starting in late October.
