Auckland Airport increases China seat capacity

23 July 2013

Auckland Airport increases China seat capacity with new Dreamliner flights

Auckland Airport has welcomed the announcement that China Southern Airlines current daily services to Auckland will be serviced by the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft from late October.

Announced today at a press conference held by China Southern Airlines, the change in schedule will see the daily Dreamliner service commence on the Guangzhou – Auckland route from October 28, well ahead of the previously announced Auckland debut of December 4.

This will be followed by a second China Southern Airlines’ Dreamliner servicing Auckland for the peak summer period of December 4 to March 1, when the number of flights on the Guangzhou to Auckland route will increase from seven to ten weekly flights.

Glenn Wedlock, Auckland Airport’s general manager aeronautical commercial, is delighted with the announcement as it not only provides immediate growth in capacity but also offers customers a number of significant benefits that come hand-in-hand with the Dreamliner service.

“The announcement of the change to the 787 Dreamliner aircraft immediately provides us with almost five per cent growth in seat capacity per year. This, coupled with the additional three services per week in the summer peak season, again signals strong growth for the industry from Chinese arrivals,” says Mr Wedlock. “Equally, the Dreamliners are much more fuel efficient which makes the services more profitable and more beneficial in terms of environmental impact.”

“The new flights also offer a 20 per cent advantage in cargo revenue capacity over today’s similarly sized airplanes. This means more capacity to our biggest trading partner for high value air freight exports such as fresh produce,” says Mr Wedlock.

“As for benefits to the passengers, the Dreamliner’s include a range of interior improvements which provide more comfort and convenience,” continues Mr Wedlock. “One of the big advantages is that the cabins offer higher humidity which means customers will disembark their flight feeling fresher and less dried out, ready to enjoy their holiday or launch into their business activities.”

China Southern’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner has 228 seats, four first-class seats, 24 in business class and 200 seats in the economy cabin, and is the first Dreamliner ever to have a first class cabin.

Also announced at the press conference held by China Southern Airlines is the visa entry changes which now see New Zealanders allowed to transit in Guangzhou for 72 hours without a visa, an increase from the previously allowed stay of 24 hours.

Mike Ma, China Southern Airlines’ General Manager New Zealand, says the new visa waiver is a fantastic outcome and will have positive flow-on effects for the travel industry. “The new transit period of 72 hours allows visitors more time to explore Guangzhou, meaning more value for money as travellers can fully experience the city on their way to another destination,” said Mr Ma.

Mr Wedlock agrees and adds that the change is welcomed by Auckland Airport. “The new visa waiver will make it easier for New Zealanders transiting in Guangzhou to beyond countries,” says Mr Wedlock. “They will be able to enjoy the sights of Guangzhou for a transit period of up to 72 hours without having to worry about getting a visa. It is another important step between our two nations in opening-up markets, extending visa access and building on free trade agreements.”

For more information about the Dreamliner services please visit www.csair.com.

ENDS

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