Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific have received welcome news that strengthens their position in Asia-Pacific aviation.
The New Zealand Associate Minister of Transport has renewed their joint venture alliance for another five years. This marking a further important milestone in the carriers’ long-standing partnership.
This strategic renewal ensures both airlines can continue their successful collaboration. This offers travelers enhanced flight options between New Zealand and Hong Kong, plus seamless access to an extensive network of global destinations.
The decision reflects growing confidence in the aviation sector’s recovery and the importance of strong international connections.
ANZ-Cathay Alliance from 2013
The alliance, which first took flight in 2013, has fundamentally transformed travel between these regions. During peak seasons, passengers can choose from up to three daily flights linking New Zealand and Hong Kong.
This increased service capacity has significantly boosted both tourism flows and trade opportunities between the countries, creating stronger economic ties.
“Our partnership opens doors for New Zealanders to reach Asia and beyond,” says Air New Zealand Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer Michael Williams.
“It also makes it easy for international visitors to explore New Zealand’s beautiful regions through Hong Kong. As both markets bounce back from the pandemic, this renewed alliance ensures we can keep offering excellent connectivity and travel choices to our customers.”
The collaboration has proven particularly valuable during the industry’s post-pandemic recovery phase. It allowed both airlines to optimize their resources while maintaining robust international connections. This efficiency helps ensure the sustainability of these important air links despite ongoing global challenges.
Cathay Pacific’s Regional General Manager Southwest Pacific, Frosti Lau, shares this positive outlook and emphasizes the partnership’s broader benefits.
“We’re expanding our New Zealand services and are excited to work with Air New Zealand. Together, we’re bringing more options to travelers in both regions,” says Lau.
“Hong Kong serves as more than just an exciting destination,” Lau adds. “It’s a gateway connecting New Zealanders to the vibrant Greater Bay Area and worldwide destinations. Our alliance ensures smooth, high-quality travel across both airlines’ networks, benefiting business travelers and tourists alike.”
Increased Flight Frequencies in Peak Months
The renewed partnership will offer an impressive 18 weekly return flights between the two countries during peak months.
This includes Cathay Pacific’s specialized Christchurch-Hong Kong service, running four times weekly from October 30, 2024, to March 29, 2025. This seasonal route particularly benefits South Island travelers and supports regional tourism development.
Both airlines have committed to maintaining high service standards across their joint operations, ensuring passengers enjoy consistent quality whether flying with Air New Zealand or Cathay Pacific.
The alliance also enables coordinated scheduling, which provides more convenient connection times and improved travel flexibility for customers.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the five-year extension allows both carriers to plan long-term investments in their services and continue developing innovative travel solutions.
This stability benefits not only the airlines but also businesses, tourism operators, and travelers who rely on these important international connections.
The partnership’s success demonstrates how strategic airline alliances can enhance travel opportunities while supporting economic growth and cultural exchange between nations.
As international travel continues to evolve, this collaboration between Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific stands as a model of effective cross-border aviation cooperation.
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