Extra capacity to New Zealand is to be offered from Singapore as part of an extended joint venture between the countries’ two airlines.
Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have won the green light to continue an alliance established almost decade ago for another five years until March 2029.
The immediate impact will be the introduction of a fourth daily seasonal service between Auckland and Singapore for the 2024-25 southern hemisphere summer, subject to regulatory approval.
The joint venture carriers aim to operate four flights a day between Singapore and Auckland from October 27 until to March 29, 2025.
They will jointly operate 38 return services a week on the route during peak months. This translates to more than 893,000 seats.
SIA and Air New Zealand have grown seat capacity between the two countries by almost 50% as a result of the pact, including the addition of up to three daily services between Singapore and Auckland and a daily service to Christchurch.
Air New Zealand chief transformation and alliances officer Mike Williams said: “Since the alliance was launched at the beginning of 2015, the two flag carriers have together carried over 4.6 million passengers between New Zealand, Singapore and beyond.
“The partnership gives New Zealanders access to the world on Singapore Airlines’ vast network beyond the Singapore gateway into destinations in Europe, India and Southeast Asia.
“With the partnership extended for a further five years, together with Singapore Airlines, we can continue to stimulate trade and tourism, and provide customers with greater choice and connectivity.”
SIA marketing planning acting senior vice president Dai Haoyu said: “Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have been strong partners for close to a decade.
“The extension of our alliance allows us to continue offering our customers even more options between Singapore and New Zealand, as well as to domestic destinations with New Zealand and around the world.
“This is exemplified by the fourth daily seasonal service between Auckland and Singapore, which will support the growing demand for both business and leisure travel.”