Air New Zealand’s 2013/2014 Japanese charter program is set to bring more than double the number of Japanese visitors to New Zealand this summer compared to the previous year’s program.
Between December and March the airline will operate 29 charter services to New Zealand from eight Japanese cities, bringing around 6,000 Japanese visitors to experience the key tourist regions across the country, in comparison to 14 services carrying 2,800 visitors last summer.
Twenty two of the flights will operate direct into Christchurch, providing an important economic boost to the Canterbury region. The remainder will fly direct to Auckland and all 29 flights will depart New Zealand from Auckland International Airport.
Air New Zealand’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Sales Officer, Norm Thompson, says Japan is New Zealand’s fifth largest source of inbound visitors.
“Japan continues to be a hugely important market for us and it’s really encouraging to see such good year on year growth from the region. With direct flights scheduled from eight Japanese ports these visitors will enjoy a seamless journey without needing to travel via the main gateways and we look forward to giving them a uniquely Kiwi experience from the moment they board our aircraft.”
Air New Zealand has worked in partnership with the management of both Auckland and Christchurch airports to develop this year’s Japan charter programme.
The charter programme will be operated by a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The first of the 29 flights will depart Osaka on 15 December this year and the final flight will return to Japan from Auckland on the 30 March.