New Zealand-France air agreement opens routes through Pacific

The New Zealand government is hoping to see better air links with Europe and the Pacific after updating an almost 50-year-old air services agreement with France.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and French Ambassador to New Zealand Florence Jeanblanc-Risler on Tuesday signed an amendment to the New Zealand-France Air Transport Agreement which was first signed in 1967.

The resulting new route opportunities would permit New Zealand airlines to use any routing for flights to and beyond French Polynesia, while airlines from French Polynesia could use any routing for flights to and beyond New Zealand.

Bridges said air services links with French Polynesia were an important component of New Zealand's wider engagement within the Pacific.

"Liberalized air services agreements like this have already contributed to New Zealand's milestone 3 million international visitor arrivals in one year," Bridges said in a statement.

"I also hope to see enhanced air services arrangements in the future with mainland France and New Caledonia," he said.

"France is an important partner for New Zealand and I believe improved air connectivity between the two countries will grow connections for business and tourism, as well as for people visiting family and friends." Endi