Sichuan Airlines has this week made a return to Auckland, in a further boost to links to China for the Kiwi airport.
The flights, which come from Chengdu, are a big welcome for the airfield, and bolsters international connections.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The Return of Chengdu-Auckland Flights…
The first flight between Chengdu and Auckland with Sichuan Airlines operated on April 17.
It is understood this route will be serviced on a once-weekly basis by the airline.
Commenting on the milestone was Scott Tasker, the Chief Customer Officer of the airport:
“We are seeing that Chinese airlines have confidence in the travel market between New Zealand and China, bringing high-value Chinese visitors who see us as a highly attractive destination to visit”.
“We have close to 300,000 Chinese living in New Zealand who want to visit family and the Chinese airlines flying into New Zealand have significant connecting hubs which travellers can use to reach North and Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom and Europe.”
“That provides more competition and choice for travellers.”
“With the bellyhold of passenger aircraft traditionally providing 80% of Auckland Airport’s air freight capacity, over the next six months, we expect 12,000 tonnes of air freight capacity to be available for exporters to send high-value goods to discerning Chinese consumers”.
China A Big Market for the Airport…
It is clear that China is a major market for Auckland Airport at the moment, with the following services in effect or due to launch:
- Air China to Beijing 4 x week (7 x week in July)
- Air New Zealand to Shanghai 7 x week
- China Eastern to Shanghai 7 x week & (new route) Hangzhou (via Sydney) 4 x week
- China Southern to Guangzhou 7 x week (14 x week in July)
- Hainan Airlines to (new route) Haikou 3 x week and Shenzhen 3 x week
- Sichuan Airlines to Chengdu 1 x week
In total, there will be 36 flights per week from Auckland to China, which is a considerable feat for the airport.
Overall…
In conclusion, the return of Sichuan Airlines to Auckland from Chengdu is a great sign for the airport.
China links continue to grow at an explosive rate, which is why we see 36 weekly flights to the country.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how much bigger this market can get for the Kiwi airport.
But for now, it will be interesting to see if Sichuan Airlines will expand this service from Chengdu in the future.
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