Air New Zealand - Singapore Airlines Alliance now operational

Auckland,January 7, 2015 (STAT):The alliance between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines began operations Jan. 6 with the first return service between New Zealand and Singapore departing Auckland .

The Star Alliance member carriers will each operate one daily return flight between Auckland and Singapore. Singapore Airlines will also operate a daily return flight between Christchurch and Singapore.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says: “The operational launch of our alliance is an exciting way to kick off 2015, a year which will see us grow our long haul network. Our New Zealand – Singapore service is a key to our Pacific Rim strategy, providing our customers with not only a convenient direct service, but great connectivity to South East Asia and markets beyond.”

On the Auckland – Singapore route Air New Zealand will operate newly refurbished Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, while Singapore Airlines will operate the Airbus A380 during the northern winter season. 777s will be used in the northern summer season. Refurbished Boeing 777-200ERs will also be operated by Singapore Airlines on the Singapore - Christchurch route.

The launch of the alliance is exciting news for the airlines’ customers with Air New Zealand operating to Singapore for the first time in eight years and Singapore Airlines now operating the Airbus A380 on the route.

Through the alliance, the carriers aim to increase capacity between New Zealand and Singapore by up to 30% yearround over time, while delivering enhanced benefits to customers.

In addition to the increased capacity Air New Zealand’s customers can now enjoy codeshare connectivity to more than 50 additional destinations on the Singapore Airlines and SilkAir networks. In turn, Singapore Airlines is codesharing on a further 40 routes in the Air New Zealand network.