Air New Zealand announces new non-stop route from Auckland to Shanghai

"Air New Zealand is firmly concentrating on growing markets in North Asia," said Mr Fyfe. "We are committed to establishing New Zealand as a welcoming, friendly and exciting new destination for Chinese people."

"We also want to draw as many New Zealand businesspeople and tourists as possible to Shanghai."

Air New Zealand will be the only carrier to operate a new route from Auckland to Shanghai non-stop to connect New Zealand to mainland China for the first time in the airline's history.

The Shanghai - Auckland route will fly three times a week to serve business and tourist travellers in both directions.

With the rapid development of the Chinese economy, China is a major force in the Asia Pacific region and attracts a lot of attention internationally. Being a major international financial centre, Shanghai's core position is growing in importance.

With China's rapidly increasing wealth and prosperity, Chinese travellers are looking for new and exotic destinations to travel to. New Zealand's unique art, culture and extraordinary unspoilt beauty offer all of those things.

Air New Zealand is New Zealand's national carrier, and is headquartered in Auckland.

Even though relatively small as the 36th largest international carrier in the world, Air New Zealand occupies a unique position because of its size in today's highly competitive aviation market..
Facing competition from other larger airlines, Rob Fyfe said, "We have our distinct advantage - we are small.

Being small in this industry means having the ability to change, modify and adapt faster than the larger airlines."

Mr Fyfe took over the position of CEO in October 2005, and since then, he and his executive team have focused on growing the airline., developing new routes and new destinations.

The launch of the Shanghai route is part of one of the most significant business expansions in Air New Zealand's history.
Rob Fyfe comments that Air New Zealand is planning on spending US$1.32 billion on 8 B777s, 4 B787s and 15 Bombardier Dash Q300 turboprops.

The addition of these aircraft will replace some retiring older aircraft and will be used to support new long-haul routes and domestic routes.

New planes and new routes are just the beginning of Rob Fyfe's initiatives to grow Air New Zealand.

"People like to be with New Zealanders," said Mr Fyfe. "We are friendly, approachable, and we have unique interests and a diversified society. I am dedicating myself to making Air New Zealand an ambassador of New Zealand.

Rob Fyfe also announced the appointment of Peter Elmsly, who has many years of management experience with Air New Zealand, to be the General Manager of Air New Zealand's Greater China Shanghai branch.

ENDS