Further building on its position as a regional hub for business and leisure travel, Christchurch Airport is introducing a new Air New Zealand link with Hamilton from mid-September.
The Christchurch-Hamilton route is recognised as one of the country’s busiest aviation corridors and the new service, which will be operated on a 171-seat Airbus A320, marks the first time in 25 years that domestic jet flights will return to Hamilton. Air New Zealand will fly between the two cities five times a week, with its service complementing the existing ATR72 turboprop flights, giving customers greater choice and flexibility to travel between the two New Zealand cities.
A region that is thriving
“This is a fantastic step for Christchurch,” said the airport’s CEO, Justin Watson. Adding that demand on this route is soaring, he continued, “the addition of jet services gives travellers the speed, comfort and choice they’ve been asking for. It’s a clear sing that Christchurch and our region is a thriving hub for business, innovation and opportunity, with strong momentum behind it.”
The new service is expected to benefit a range of business and leisure travellers and will strengthen ties between two key regional economies, according to Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.
“As a major business hub, Christchurch needs strong, reliable connections and this announcement delivers exactly that.”
Additional links with Australia
The new Hamilton link follows Christchurch’s announcement on Friday that it’s summer schedule will see a boost in services to Australia after Qantas announced a 47 percent increase in flights to Sydney and a 26 percent increase in flights to Melbourne.
Over the busy Christmas holiday period (15 December to 26 January) Qantas will operate up to seven additional flights per week to Sydney and up to three additional flights per week to Melbourne.
Importantly, the new flights have been timed to connect seamlessly with Qantas’ international services, offering travellers super convenient links to destinations across Asia and Europe.
Commenting on the additional services with Qantas ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams said: “This is fantastic news for Ōtautahi Christchurch, it will give local businesses in our tourism sector a summer boost, while also supporting the city’s exporters and innovators. Christchurch is an exciting destination right now and we can’t wait to welcome more of our Australian neighbours to come play in our beautiful city and region.”
