Air New Zealand’s direct Manila-Auckland flights start December

Rappler.com

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Air New Zealand’s direct Manila-Auckland flights start December
New Zealand's flag carrier says the growing number of Filipino expatriates in the South Pacific nation forms a solid basis for establishing the new link

MANILA, Philippines – Following the lead of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Air New Zealand announced on Wednesday, April 6, that it will begin direct flights between Manila and Auckland starting in December.

The year-round service will operate 3 times a week using Boeing 767-300 aircraft with a flight time of around 10 and a half hours in each direction.

The New Zealand flag carrier pointed out that the growing number of Filipino expatriates in the South Pacific nation forms a solid basis for establishing the new link.

“The Filipino population in New Zealand has more than tripled since 2001 and is now the third largest Asian ethnic group, with around 40,000 Filipino residents in New Zealand,” Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said in a statement.

“The number of visitors from the Philippines is also continuing to grow rapidly, up more than 20% in the past year alone so we’re anticipating that demand for this service will be steady in both directions,” he added.

The Department of Tourism has deemed New Zealand as a high growth market with 2,011 arrivals in January 2016, an increase of 27.12% from the previous year.

PAL started flying to Auckland from the capital 4 times a week in December 2015. Unlike the new route, PAL’s service includes a stop in Cairns, Australia, each way.

“As the only non-stop service between New Zealand and the Philippines, our flight will be quicker and more convenient for travellers than the fastest current option which flies indirect, potentially saving up to two and a half hours each way,” Air New Zealand said.

The airline did not give any information on fares for the flight.

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and economic heart. It is also New Zealand’s main gateway and a major hub in the region with numerous connections to destinations in Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific. – Rappler.com

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