Flights to Christchurch from December 1 — China Airlines Hosts Inaugural Celebration

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Taipei

To meet the peak travel demand and cargo market needs in the Southern Hemisphere, China Airlines is expanding its presence in the New Zealand and Australia market. It will launch flights to Christchurch, New Zealand, on December 1. Today (the 10th), China Airlines and Christchurch Airport jointly hosted an inaugural celebration event. Going forward, the airline will operate a seasonal scheduled service with three flights per week, providing passengers with a convenient route from Taoyuan via Sydney, Australia, to Christchurch.


▲China Airlines General Manager Lin Peng-liang presents an aircraft model to Mr. Malcolm Johns, CEO of Christchurch Airport.

From December 1, 2014, to February 28, 2015, China Airlines will launch a new Taoyuan–Sydney–Christchurch route, operating every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The route will be served by an A330-300 aircraft, offering 30 business class seats and 277 economy class seats, accommodating up to 307 passengers in total. Coupled with the existing eight weekly flights from Sydney or Brisbane to Auckland, China Airlines will offer a total of 11 weekly services to New Zealand. Mr. Malcolm Johns, CEO of Christchurch Airport, expressed his hope that the new route will boost tourism between Taiwan and New Zealand, allowing more people to experience the scenic beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.

Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and is often referred to as “the most English town outside England.” With numerous parks and meticulously designed private gardens, it is also known as the “Garden City.” In addition, the city boasts historic and cultural landmarks such as Christchurch Cathedral, Victoria Square, Mona Vale Garden, Avon River, and Hagley Park. Passengers can now fly directly to the South Island via China Airlines, avoiding the wait for connecting flights through Auckland.


▲China Airlines staff and personnel from Christchurch, New Zealand, pose for a group photo.