Air China reopens direct link between Beijing, New Zealand

The national carriers of New Zealand and China celebrated Friday after re-opening direct air links between Beijing and New Zealand's main international gateway in Auckland.

New Zealand Associate Tourism Minister Paula Bennett was among a host of dignitaries at Auckland International Airport to welcome the first of Air China's daily direct A330-200 services between the two cities.

The service was established under an alliance with Air New Zealand that was agreed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to New Zealand in November last year.

The alliance will also see Air New Zealand continue to operate daily B787-9 Dreamliner services between Auckland and Shanghai.

Together the two national carriers expected to boost capacity between Auckland and the Chinese mainland by more than 25 percent year round, Air New Zealand chief executive officer Christopher Luxon said in a statement.

"This time last year, Air New Zealand welcomed President Xi to New Zealand and signed a memorandum of understanding so it's pleasing that 12 months later we are launching the inaugural alliance service," said Luxon.

"Air China provides us with access to a strong and well-established network and distribution channel in China."

Air China chief executive officer Song Zhiyong said the services would meet the growing demand from travellers in both markets and provide them greater benefits.

"Air China passengers will have enhanced access to Air New Zealand's network including domestic New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and South America."

Air New Zealand had operated a twice-weekly direct service between Beijing and Auckland, but it stopped in 2012. Endit