Air New Zealand increases Vancouver services

Media Release
22 February 2008

Air New Zealand increases Vancouver services

Air New Zealand is to increase its direct services between Auckland and Vancouver to four a week from early December to meet strong customer demand.

The airline launched the new non-stop service in November with three trips per week, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The fourth service will operate on Thursdays for the peak travel season between 4 December and 26 March 2009.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims said today that Vancouver was proving to be one of the airline’s most successful route launches in recent years.

“We had always forecast strong uptake for the new service, but it’s fair to say that we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the strength of the demand shown by customers in both markets,” he says.

“We’re looking to build our services to daily as soon as possible, and will continue to work closely with the New Zealand and Canadian travel trade to further stimulate demand.”

Mr Sims said there were a number of factors that had contributed to the success of the new destination.

“Canada’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for skiing and snowboarding – along with some fantastic outdoor adventure activities – has clearly whetted the appetite of many Kiwis.

“We’ve also seen a great deal of interest from customers using Vancouver as a convenient gateway to destinations within Canada such as Toronto and Montreal, which can be accessed through our Star Alliance partner Air Canada.”

Mr Sims said that Air New Zealand’s new service had received great support from the Canadian travel trade and Tourism British Columbia.

"There already is a buzz in British Columbia and Canada about the great new tourism opportunities that Air New Zealand has created," commented Rod Harris, president and CEO of Tourism British Columbia.

"The additional service is an incredible commitment to our destination, and we will do our part, which is helping provide a great visitor experience."

Mr Sims said Air New Zealand’s investment in substantial promotional campaigns in both New Zealand and Canada had also helped stimulate interest in the new route.

This commitment was today recognised by Tourism British Columbia, which presented Air New Zealand with the Tourism Media Award at the annual Tourism British Columbia Tourism Awards This award recognizes a journalist or media outlet whose exceptional coverage of British Columbia helped entice more people to visit the province.

Judges said they were very impressed with Air New Zealand’s efforts to build media interest in the new route and destination.

Mr Sims said Air New Zealand was thrilled and honoured to receive the prestigious award for its efforts in promoting British Columbia.

ENDS

Editor’s note:

Auckland-Vancouver service schedules:

NZ84 Auckland-Vancouver 2030/1245 13:15 flight time
NZ83 Vancouver-Auckland 1900/0630+2 14:30 flight time

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