Singapore Airlines And Air New Zealand Join Forces To Expand Singapore-New Zealand Services

Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand have agreed to form an alliance enabling Air New Zealand to fly the Auckland-Singapore route again and Singapore Airlines to operate the Airbus A380 to New Zealand for the first time.



The A380 would be operated daily by Singapore Airlines between Singapore and Auckland, progressively replacing an existing daily service with the smaller Boeing 777-300ER[1]. Air New Zealand would launch daily services between Auckland and Singapore using newly refitted Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, taking over five flights currently operated by Singapore Airlines and adding two more weekly flights, increasing the frequency to daily.



Subject to regulatory approvals, the carriers would aim to boost their existing capacity between Singapore and New Zealand by up to 30% year round over time.



Singapore Airlines’ daily Singapore-Christchurch service would continue as part of the alliance.



The proposed alliance would enable Air New Zealand passengers to access codeshare travel on the Singapore Airlines network to the United Kingdom, Europe, South East Asia and Africa, as well as on the network of its regional subsidiary airline, SilkAir. Singapore Airlines’ customers would be able to access codeshare travel across the Air New Zealand domestic network and to selected international destinations.



Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong said, “This alliance is another example of our commitment to the important Southwest Pacific market, and our commitment to the further enhancement of our network. This is a genuine win-win partnership, enabling Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand to work together to provide more flight frequency and enhanced travel options to our customers.”



Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon added, “Air New Zealand is on a positive growth trajectory with a clear focus on Pacific Rim destinations. An alliance with Singapore Airlines clearly fits our business objectives of working with the right partners in the right markets to deliver seamless customer journeys.”



The alliance would see Air New Zealand’s ‘NZ’ code return to Singapore Airlines’ network for the first time since 2007. Air New Zealand last operated to Singapore in 2006.

The parties are seeking approval for the alliance from the Competition Commission of Singapore and the New Zealand Minister of Transport. Pending approval, flights could commence as early as December 2014.



About Singapore Airlines



When Singapore Airlines was formed in 1972, it operated a modest fleet of 10 aircraft to just 22 cities in 18 countries. With a commitment to fleet modernisation, product and service innovation and market leadership, the Airline quickly distinguished itself as a world-class carrier.



Today, Singapore Airlines operates a modern passenger fleet of 100 aircraft and its network, including Singapore Airlines Cargo and SilkAir destinations, covers a total of 107 destinations in 39 countries. Singapore Airlines serves Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand with 19 round-trip flights per week.



In October 2007, Singapore Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, made aviation history again as the first to fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380.



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About Air New Zealand



Air New Zealand delivers uniquely Kiwi journeys to more than 13 million passengers who fly to, from and within New Zealand each year. The airline operates more than 4,000 flights each week, connecting customers to 26 destinations within New Zealand and to Australia, the Pacific Islands, Indonesia, China, Japan, Canada, USA and the United Kingdom.



In recent years Air New Zealand has earned a global reputation as one of the world’s most innovative airlines. Partnering with international celebrities such as Bear Grylls, Sir Peter Jackson and Betty White to share brand, retail and safety messages in a fresh and engaging way enables the airline to engage with a wide audience and further build an already strong brand globally.



This year the airline will take delivery of three of 10 new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners currently on order. Air New Zealand is the global launch customer for the modern, fuel-efficient aircraft which use 20 percent less fuel than similar size alternatives.



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[1] A380 operations would initially be on a seasonal basis. The B777-300ER would be used during off-peak travel periods.