Air New Zealand has won the green light for an alliance with Singapore Airlines.
The carrier welcomed the decision made by the New Zealand transport minister Gerry Brownlee.
The government rubber stamped the deal which will result in an estimated minimum of 100,000 extra seats a year on the Singapore-Auckland route.
Air New Zealand will take over the existing five-flight a week service currently operated by SIA on the Auckland-Singapore route and replace it with a daily service.
SIA plans to deploy an Airbus A380 superjumbo on a remaining daily service between Auckland and Singapore on a seasonal basis.
The two carriers aim to boost existing capacity between New Zealand and Singapore by up to 30% year-round over time.
ANZ CEO Christopher Luxon said: “It’s very pleasing to receive regulatory approval for this alliance which will enable us to grow our network with operations between Auckland and Singapore in the very near future.
“We look forward to working with our colleagues at Singapore Airlines to boost capacity between New Zealand and Singapore which will deliver some great benefits to our customers and other stakeholders in the New Zealand tourism industry,”
The approval follows the clearance of the alliance by the Singapore’s Competition Commission.
The two carriers said they will announce on sale and operational dates for alliance services shortly.