Alliance partners Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia will operate flights between Perth and Christchurch next summer, the first time the cities have been linked by a direct service in more than 20 years.
The twice weekly B767-300 Air New Zealand service will begin on December 3 and operate through to April 26. Virgin Australia will codeshare on the flights which, if successful, will become permanent.
The announcement was made by Air NZ chief executive Christopher Luxon at the opening of Christchurch Airport’s new terminal.
He said Perth and Christchurch are the two largest trans-Tasman destinations without a direct alliance service.
“This is a great time to be linking these two destinations,” Luxon said. “The West Australian economy continues to grow at a faster rate than the rest of Australia and rebuilding activity is poised to stimulate travel demand with Christchurch and Canterbury.
“Christchurch is also a convenient hub for the whole of the South Island, particularly now the airport company is providing world class terminal facilities.”
Virgin Australia said it was “very pleased” with the recovery seen on Christchurch routes.
“The hard work and cooperation of Perth Airport and Christchurch International has been integral to the formation of this new route and we look forward to working with them in the future for the benefit of our customers,” chief commercial officer Judith Crompton said.
The flight will depart Christchurch at 3.40pm each Wednesday and Saturday with the return leaving Perth at 7.10pm, arriving into NZ at 6.20 the following morning.
Meanwhile, the opening of the NZ$237 million terminal at Christchurch heralded a new era for the airport, its chief executive Jim Boult said.
