Latest news with #GordonBevan
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Airport Wins Big As Qantas Boosts Summer Flight
Press Release – Christchurch Airport From 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, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airlines trans-Tasman schedule. Qantas has announced a major summer uplift for New Zealand – and Christchurch Airport is the big winner with a 47% increase in the number of flights to Sydney and a 26% increase in flights to Melbourne. From 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, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airline's trans-Tasman schedule. It's great news for Christchurch and the South Island, with more flights offering greater choice and flexibility for Kiwis and helping to attract even more Aussie visitors to experience the South Island's legendary adventures and scenery. 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. Whether it's a summer escape to Singapore, a cultural journey through Japan, or a white Christmas in London or Paris, the world just got closer. The additional services also mean families and friends can more easily reconnect over the busy holiday season. Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the extra flights build on Qantas' strong presence at the airport. 'This is fantastic news; it shows Qantas recognises the strength of the Christchurch and the South Island market. These extra flights are a win for tourism, trade and travel. They'll help businesses thrive and give Kiwis even more options.' Christchurch Airport's General Manager Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan, says the boost will be felt across the region. 'Aussies can't get enough of the South Island, and now it's even easier for them to fly straight here. More flights mean more visitors, more spending, and more benefits for our economy.' ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams say '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.' The new flights can be booked from today
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Airport Wins Big As Qantas Boosts Summer Flight
Qantas has announced a major summer uplift for New Zealand - and Christchurch Airport is the big winner with a 47% increase in the number of flights to Sydney and a 26% increase in flights to Melbourne. From 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, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airline's trans-Tasman schedule. It's great news for Christchurch and the South Island, with more flights offering greater choice and flexibility for Kiwis and helping to attract even more Aussie visitors to experience the South Island's legendary adventures and scenery. 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. Whether it's a summer escape to Singapore, a cultural journey through Japan, or a white Christmas in London or Paris, the world just got closer. The additional services also mean families and friends can more easily reconnect over the busy holiday season. Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the extra flights build on Qantas' strong presence at the airport. 'This is fantastic news; it shows Qantas recognises the strength of the Christchurch and the South Island market. These extra flights are a win for tourism, trade and travel. They'll help businesses thrive and give Kiwis even more options.' Christchurch Airport's General Manager Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan, says the boost will be felt across the region. 'Aussies can't get enough of the South Island, and now it's even easier for them to fly straight here. More flights mean more visitors, more spending, and more benefits for our economy.' ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams say '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.'
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
More flights from Christchurch to Asia as Singapore Airlines adds 23,000 extra seats over summer
The more frequent schedule is expected to further stimulate the South Island's economy, especially in the tourism and export sectors. Singapore Airlines has flown between Christchurch and Singapore for 39 years, beginning with weekly services in 1986 that increased to five a week by 1999. The airline already operates daily flights between Singapore and Christchurch year-round using the Airbus A350-900, but it has long been committed to improving connectivity and unlocking trade opportunities between the South Island and the city-state. Supplementing the recently announced seats, Singapore Airlines said its outbound freight capacity will increase by 64 tonnes to support New Zealand's export industry. 'This service has always punched well above its weight for Christchurch,' said Christchurch Airport's general manager of aeronautical development Gordon Bevan. 'It's a lifeline for our exporters, a magnet for high-value visitors, and the go-to launchpad for Kiwis heading off to Asia or Europe. 'Adding more flights just takes it up a gear, more choice, more impact, and even more reasons to love what this route brings to our city and region.' Christchurch Airport's chief executive Justin Watson described its 'partnership' with Singapore Airlines as 'one of the most enduring in New Zealand aviation'. 'Their commitment to Christchurch reflects the strength of this route and the loyalty of South Island travellers who have trusted it for so many years. 'Together, we've built something special, and these extra flights are a sign of just how strong that connection remains.' Christchurch Airport, New Zealand's second-largest, has enjoyed a steady boost in international passenger numbers as airlines restore or increase services amid international travel 's post-Covid rebound. International seat capacity grew by 14% during the most recent summer season peak, according to the airport's half-year report released in February. Overall, total passenger numbers have risen to 3.17 million, with international passengers increasing by 11% compared to the same period last year. From January to April 2019, 666,852 international passengers flew in or out of Christchurch Airport, compared to 606,301 over the same period this year – nearly 91% of 2019 levels.
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Christchurch to get more Singapore flights
Photo: Christchurch Airport Singapore Airlines will add 46 more return flights to its Christchurch route from late November. From November 24 until February 12, 2026, the move will add up to 23,000 extra seats on flights to Singapore across the peak summer season, driven by continued demand from South Island travellers and international visitors. The extra flights will increase to four per week, up from three last summer. The expanded service will operate in addition to the year-round daily flights, with up to 11 weekly return services. There will be up to 5500 seats available each week between Christchurch and Singapore. Alongside the extra seats, there will be 64 additional tonnes of outbound freight capacity. The Christchurch–Singapore route on the A350-900 connects via Changi Airport to destinations across Asia and Europe. Said Gordon Bevan, Christchurch Airport general manager aeronautical development: "This service has always punched well above its weight for Christchurch. "It's a lifeline for our exporters, a magnet for high-value visitors, and the go-to launch pad for Kiwis heading off to Asia or Europe. "Adding more flights just takes it up a gear, more choice, more impact, and even more reasons to love what this route brings to our city and region." Said Justin Watson, Christchurch Airport chief executive: "Our partnership with Singapore Airlines is one of the most enduring in New Zealand aviation. "Their commitment to Christchurch reflects the strength of this route and the loyalty of South Island travellers who have trusted it for so many years." The additional services are part of a joint venture with Air New Zealand, with both carriers also being members of the Star Alliance network. United Airlines, Cathay Pacific and China Southern are also all gearing up to return to Christchurch for the busy summer season, with their flights on sale now. -APL
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Chch to get more Singapore flights
Photo: Christchurch Airport Singapore Airlines will add 46 more return flights to its Christchurch route from late November. From November 24 until February 12, 2026, the move will add up to 23,000 extra seats on flights to Singapore across the peak summer season, driven by continued demand from South Island travellers and international visitors. The extra flights will increase to four per week, up from three last summer. The expanded service will operate in addition to the year-round daily flights, with up to 11 weekly return services. There will be up to 5500 seats available each week between Christchurch and Singapore. Alongside the extra seats, there will be 64 additional tonnes of outbound freight capacity. The Christchurch–Singapore route on the A350-900 connects via Changi Airport to destinations across Asia and Europe. Said Gordon Bevan, Christchurch Airport general manager aeronautical development: "This service has always punched well above its weight for Christchurch. "It's a lifeline for our exporters, a magnet for high-value visitors, and the go-to launch pad for Kiwis heading off to Asia or Europe. "Adding more flights just takes it up a gear, more choice, more impact, and even more reasons to love what this route brings to our city and region." Said Justin Watson, Christchurch Airport chief executive: "Our partnership with Singapore Airlines is one of the most enduring in New Zealand aviation. "Their commitment to Christchurch reflects the strength of this route and the loyalty of South Island travellers who have trusted it for so many years." The additional services are part of a joint venture with Air New Zealand, with both carriers also being members of the Star Alliance network. United Airlines, Cathay Pacific and China Southern are also all gearing up to return to Christchurch for the busy summer season, with their flights on sale now. -APL
