Published on September 26, 2025
The much-awaited nonstop flights betwixt Chengdu, China, and Auckland are group to return this December. Sichuan Airlines announced its caller year-round service, which will importantly heighten tourism connections betwixt New Zealand and China. Beginning December 7th, nan hose will run 2 flights per week utilizing its modern Airbus A350s.
This improvement is expected to pull up to 22,000 further visitors to New Zealand each year. The nonstop formation way will not only boost tourism but besides service arsenic a caller gateway for business opportunities, enriching nan section economy.
Strong Economic Impact
Sichuan Airlines‘ return will people nan sixth hose flying betwixt China and Auckland, joining Air China, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines. Tourism officials are optimistic astir nan impact, predicting that this way will make astir $130 cardinal annually for New Zealand’s tourism sector. Additionally, nan work will supply up to $150 cardinal successful cargo capacity, benefiting exports and imports.
China was New Zealand’s second-largest world visitant marketplace successful 2019, contributing complete $1.7 cardinal to nan country’s economy. The preamble of Sichuan Airlines will undoubtedly fortify tourism ties and supply a important economical boost. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized that this caller work is important for unlocking New Zealand’s tourism and economical potential.
A New Chapter for Auckland and New Zealand Tourism
Scott Tasker, Chief Customer Officer astatine Auckland Airport, stated that nan return of Sichuan Airlines is an breathtaking development. He emphasized really this work will supply visitors from Chengdu and surrounding regions an easier relationship to New Zealand. “This year-round work will connection travelers much options while reconnecting Auckland pinch an important visitant market,” Tasker said. He besides noted that nan further flights would unfastened up caller opportunities for New Zealand exporters, pinch enhanced cargo capacity.
The nonstop flights will besides let Kiwis to research 1 of China’s astir fascinating regions. “From New Zealand’s earthy beauty to its Māori civilization and world-class hospitality, this caller way will showcase everything that makes New Zealand unique,” Tasker added.
Boosting Tourism pinch Rich Cultural Connections
Chengdu, nan superior of Sichuan province, is known for its vibrant culture, rich | nutrient scene, and arsenic nan location of nan iconic elephantine panda. Sichuan Airlines operates from nan Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, which opened successful 2021 and serves arsenic a hub for some home and world flights.
For New Zealanders, this nonstop relationship presents an breathtaking opportunity to sojourn Chengdu and beyond. As nan Sichuan Airlines web expands crossed 76 home cities and 28 world destinations, travelers tin easy entree various parts of Asia and further regions. This caller way will fortify nan taste and economical speech betwixt New Zealand and China, benefiting some countries successful position of tourism and trade.
A Future of Partnership and Growth
Kevin Wen, Regional Director of Australia and New Zealand for Sichuan Airlines, shared his excitement astir nan caller route. He said that, they person agelong weighted nan New Zealand marketplace and person worked intimately pinch Auckland Airport to restart this important route. Wen highlighted nan airline’s committedness to offering high-quality services that heighten nan recreation acquisition for passengers.
Looking forward, Sichuan Airlines plans to proceed delivering thoughtful work and businesslike connections. With a attraction connected fostering a beardown narration pinch New Zealand, nan hose is group to go a cardinal subordinate successful connecting nan 2 regions.
What’s Next for New Zealand Tourism
As nan world continues to retrieve from nan challenges of nan pandemic, New Zealand’s tourism assemblage is gearing up for a caller era of growth. The return of Sichuan Airlines adds to a increasing database of recreation options for world tourists. This caller relationship will not only unfastened up much opportunities for Chinese visitors but besides create further openings for Kiwis to research Asia.
The motorboat of this nonstop way is simply a invited summation to New Zealand’s tourism industry. It offers a fresh, breathtaking action for travelers and supports nan nation’s ongoing efforts to bolster its system done tourism.
Auckland Airport and New Zealand’s tourism authorities are eager to spot really this caller work will style nan early of recreation betwixt nan 2 countries, contributing to a robust and sustainable tourism assemblage successful nan years to come.