New Zealand’s Christchurch Airport is gearing up for a record-breaking summer of aircraft movements. The projected traffic flow will see a significant increase in international flight capacity.
Over the winter, the airport has collaborated with its airline partners to introduce a summer package. This will effectively boost seat capacity on long-haul routes by 25% compared to last year.
This expansion will not only offer Kiwis more travel options but also attract tens of thousands of visitors to the stunning South Island. In turn, this will stimulate the local economy through increased tourism and commerce.
Qantas Expands Tasman Routes
Qantas is leading the charge with a substantial increase in Tasman capacity. Starting in late October, the airline will add over 175,000 seats on the Christchurch-Brisbane/Melbourne routes.
Brisbane flights will increase from daily to up to 12 times per week, while Melbourne flights will jump from five times a week to 12 during peak periods. Combined with its existing Christchurch-Sydney flights and Emirates A380 service, Qantas offers a wide range of options for travelers.
Jetstar’s Major Expansion
Jetstar is also making significant strides, adding 180,000 extra seats starting December 15. This expansion includes more domestic flights and the introduction of an additional Airbus A320 to its New Zealand fleet. This marks the airline’s first fleet growth in over a decade.
Highlights include increased Melbourne flights, and a daily Gold Coast service until late January. The flight scheduling will also see the introduction of direct flights to Cairns from April 2025.
Jetstar is also adjusting flight times to better connect with long-haul flights to Asia and increasing domestic flights to Auckland.
International Airlines Return and Expand
Several international airlines are returning to Christchurch and expanding their services. China Southern will resume flights from October 28 until March 30. It will increase weekly flights from three to five and then daily during the Chinese New Year.
Cathay Pacific is also returning with four flights per week from December 2, representing an 88% increase in seat capacity compared to last season.
United Airlines will resume its three-times-a-week Dreamliner service between Christchurch and San Francisco from December 6. Finally, Singapore Airlines will increase flights from seven to 10 per week, offering a new evening service.
Freight Capacity Boosted
The expansion of international flights also brings significant benefits for freight. The cargo holds of these aircraft will transport valuable exports. This notably includes cherries to China, fresh salmon to the USA, and other goods to global markets. This boost is a major positive for the South Island economy.
Christchurch Airport Celebrates Growth
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive, Justin Watson, expressed enthusiasm for the increased seat capacity. He stated that it reflects strong partnerships with airlines and the growing demand for Christchurch as a gateway to the South Island.
The airport is particularly excited to see its international connections continue to expand. This effectively provides travelers with more choice and makes Christchurch a vital hub for both people and commerce.
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