Christchurch Airport has announced additional charter flights during China’s Spring Festival in 2015, following the initial launch of its charter flight program in February 2014.
Christchurch, New Zealand, November 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2015 charter flight schedule will include three flights arriving on February 15, February 21, and February 27 during the Chinese Lunar New Year. The marketing of the charter flight program is being handled by China’s Guangzhou-based travel agency, Guangzhou Travel. Christchurch Airport recently formed a strategic partnership with Guangzhou Travel to increase the number of flights between China and New Zealand’s South Island. Funding support from the Tourism Growth Partnership made this initiative possible.
The flights* willdepart Guangzhou at 15:00 and arrive in the South Island at 07:30 the following day. Return flights will leave at 10:00 and arrive in Guangzhou at 17:00 the same day. The flights are expected to be operated by a Boeing 787 aircraft. This highly popular 224-seat plane, along with several other routes offering a total of 672 seats between the two regions, is projected to drive a surge in Chinese visitor arrivals to the island in February.
Mr. Zhu Shaodong, President of Guangzhou Travel, said: “Guangzhou Travel is pleased to directly offer these exclusive charter flights to New Zealand’s captivating South Island. This is the second year that Guangzhou Travel has operated direct charter flights from Guangzhou to Christchurch. Arriving at the heart of New Zealand’s South Island is a very attractive proposition for savvy travelers seeking exceptional experiences.”
The charter flight program is part of Christchurch Airport’s overall strategy to “attract Chinese visitors directly to New Zealand’s South Island.” Recently, the New Zealand government, through the Tourism Growth Partnership, announced funding for Christchurch Airport to help secure more air services from China, greatly advancing this strategy.