Multi-Million Dollar Aircraft Re-Fit Unveiled In Chch

Multi-Million Dollar Aircraft Re-Fit Unveiled In Christchurch

The long-term relationship between Christchurch Airport and Singapore Airlines was highlighted today with a multi-million dollar re-fit of aircraft flying direct between Christchurch and Singapore.

Upgraded seats and cabin interiors form part of a NZ$77.4 million investment programme offering South Island travellers additional space and comfort on the daily flights.

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns says the new product is outstanding and yet another reason South Island travellers choose to fly to Singapore direct out of Christchurch.

“Singapore Airlines has been a valued partner of Christchurch Airport for 28 years, providing travellers from Wellington south with award winning passenger services and air freight capacity from this airport,” says Mr Johns.

“The airline’s commitment to the airport is underscored by increasing capacity on the route since before the 2011 earthquake by what is now an astounding 21.5%.

“This recent summer has also seen Singapore Airlines provide 10 additional supplemental services over our summer - the highest volume of additional seats ever seen from the airline. 18 new services have already been announced for next summer, which we hope may yet see more services to meet the 2014/15 summer season.”

The new cabin product unveiled at Christchurch Airport today is the airline’s best-in-class award winning product, with airline executives telling invited guests Christchurch’s new integrated terminal makes the combined offering a superior choice over others. The distance between Christchurch and Singapore is the shortest from New Zealand, with the single integrated terminal reducing the elapsed travel time.

Mr Johns says the daily flight offers southern travellers many international connections. “Singapore Airlines’ long haul service contributes $144m to the economy and provides connectivity beyond Singapore, with connecting services to and from Europe, Asia and Africa,” he says.

“When you add all these factors together, it’s not difficult to see why Singapore Airlines carries hundreds of thousands of visitors and South Islanders on the existing service every year, a service which has been daily since 2012 – and which we are committed to for decades to come.”

The value of the partnership is also highlighted by Singapore Airline’s visiting regional vice president Subhas Menon, who said today “We’ve been flying here for almost three decades and we’ll be flying here for the next three decades.”

ENDS

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