Christchurch Airport has welcomed back United Airlines ‘Kiwi Cruiser’. The first flight of the summer season arrived at the New Zealand South Island airport 10:35 AM on Friday, 6 December.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural season, United will operate direct flights from San Francisco three times a week using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This provides the only direct connection from the South Island to the United States.
Following a Successful 2023/24 Season
The previous season’s impact proved to be a remarkable exercise. Overall, visitor numbers from the USA to Te Waipounamu (the South Island) surged by almost 80%.
The airport anticipates similar growth this season, with early bookings showing strong promise. United’s return demonstrates a significant vote of confidence in the South Island. The seasonal service has been facilitated through a strategic joint venture with Air New Zealand.
The route’s success stems from three critical advantages:
Tourism Boost
The direct service perfectly aligns with the peak tourist season. It offers American travelers seamless access to the South Island’s breathtaking landscapes and adventure opportunities. This connection is set to invigorate the local tourism industry by making the region more accessible to international visitors.
Antarctic Operations Support
Christchurch continues to serve as the primary gateway for the US Antarctic Programme. This flight facilitates the travel of numerous American and international scientists and technicians to New Zealand.
Export Opportunities
The service is proving crucial for trade, with cargo space quickly filling up. New Zealand boasts a range of premium exports like kiwifruit, fish, and meat destined for US markets.
Justin Watson, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, highlighted the significance of the route. “United Airlines’ direct service from San Francisco is transformative for Christchurch and the South Island.”
“It serves as a crucial gateway to the US and beyond, supports our local exporters, and reinforces our strategic position in Antarctic operations.”
Tim Wallis, United Airlines Regional Manager for Australia and New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm. “After a successful first season, we’re thrilled to return to Christchurch.”
“This route demonstrates the growing demand for travel and trade between the United States and the South Island, and we’re optimistic about another promising season.”
Summary
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is the second busiest airport in New Zealand, located about 12 kilometers northwest of Christchurch city center.
It’s a major hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting Christchurch to various destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
The airport serves as a gateway to the South Island, offering convenient access to popular tourist destinations like Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, and Milford Sound.
The partnership between United and Air New Zealand offers enhanced connectivity, allowing US travelers to access over 30 destinations across New Zealand and the South Pacific. Conversely, New Zealand residents can now explore more than 125 destinations within the United States.
This direct connection to San Francisco solidifies Christchurch’s importance as a key hub for tourism, scientific collaboration, and international trade, promising continued growth and opportunity for the region.
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