A new direct air service between the US and New Zealand announced today by Qantas and American Airlines is great news for the country’s business events sector, says Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).
Chief executive Sue Sullivan underlined the importance of good air connectivity in order for New Zealand’s lucrative conference and incentive sector to grow.
“North America is becoming an increasingly important source of high-quality business event buyers for New Zealand,” she said.
“CINZ is certainly seeing a lot of interest from the North American market, both for our unique conferencing opportunities, and also for New Zealand’s premium incentive offerings.”
American Airlines will add new a non-stop service between Auckland and Los Angeles in June 2016, subject to regulatory approval.
The new service will be supported by Jetstar’s domestic connections to 11 regional destinations across New Zealand and Qantas Group’s almost 40 daily flights to Australia.
It comes on the back of Air New Zealand’s decision to ramp up services to North America. Next month Air New Zealand will start flying between Auckland and Houston up to five times per week, adding to its existing direct services from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii and Vancouver.
United Airlines also recently announced its intention to return to New Zealand.
