Christchurch Airport Prepares for Record Summer with 25% Boost in Long-Haul Flight Capacity

(IN SHORT) Christchurch Airport is gearing up for a substantial summer season, with a 25% increase in international seat capacity across several major airlines. This expansion will provide more travel options for Kiwis, welcome visitors to the South Island, and stimulate the local economy. Qantas, Jetstar, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, and other airlines are all boosting services, while freight capacity will also increase, supporting local exports.

(PRESS RELEASE) Christchurch, New Zealand, 2024-Oct-11 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport is preparing for a busy summer season, with a significant 25% increase in long-haul international seat capacity, thanks to collaborations with airline partners. This expansion is set to provide Kiwis with more travel options, attract tens of thousands of visitors to explore the South Island, and boost the local economy by increasing tourism and commerce.

Key highlights of the upcoming developments:

Qantas Expands Tasman Services:
Starting in late October 2024, Qantas will add more than 175,000 seats on routes from Christchurch to Brisbane and Melbourne.

• Brisbane: Flights will increase to 12 times per week, adding 1,700 weekly seats.
• Melbourne: Service will also expand to 12 flights per week during peak periods, bringing another 1,700 weekly seats.
  Qantas already operates twice daily between Christchurch and Sydney and offers seats on the Emirates A380 daily service.

Jetstar’s Major Expansion:
Jetstar is adding 180,000 extra seats, starting December 15, through more domestic flights and the addition of an Airbus A320 to its New Zealand fleet, the first such expansion in over a decade.

• Melbourne: Four weekly flights will begin in late October, increasing to daily from December 15.
• Gold Coast: Daily service from December 15 through January 2025.
• Cairns: New direct flights to Cairns starting April 2025, up to three times weekly.
  Jetstar will also adjust flight times for Christchurch-Melbourne to better connect with long-haul flights to Asia, and increase domestic services to Auckland from December 15.

China Southern Airlines Increases Service by Over 60%:
From October 28 to March 30, 2025, China Southern will operate five weekly flights to Christchurch, increasing to daily during Chinese New Year (December 17 to February 12).

Cathay Pacific Expands Capacity by 88%:
Cathay Pacific will return with four flights per week from December 2 to late February 2025, with an extra weekly flight compared to last season, operated by the larger Airbus A350-1000. In March, the airline will operate three flights per week with the A350-900, resulting in an 88% increase in seat capacity compared to last year.

United Airlines Returns:
United Airlines will resume its three-times-a-week service between Christchurch and San Francisco from December 6, just in time for summer travel.

Singapore Airlines Adds Evening Service:
From November 23 to February 15, 2025, Singapore Airlines will increase its weekly flights from seven to 10, including a new evening service that offers seamless connections across Asia.

These new flights add to Christchurch’s existing services, which include the Emirates A380 daily flight to Dubai via Sydney, Fiji Airways’ regular flights to Nadi, and Air New Zealand connections to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.

Boost to Cargo and Freight Capacity:

In addition to passenger services, the increased air traffic will also support exports, such as cherries to China and fresh salmon to the USA, contributing to the South Island’s economy. Qantas Freight will expand operations with a 31% increase in freighter services, including new connections to Sydney and Melbourne.

Increased Capacity Between Christchurch and Auckland:

From late October, there will be up to 23 daily flights between Christchurch and Auckland, providing even more travel options for domestic passengers.

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson expressed his enthusiasm for the growing services: “This increase in seat capacity reflects the strength of our partnerships with airlines and the strong demand for Christchurch as a key gateway to the South Island. We’re excited to see our international connections continue to grow, offering more travel choices and making Christchurch a vital hub for both people and commerce.”

Media Contact:

Maddy Lloyd
Maddy@greatscott.co.nz
+64 27 749 7435

Source: Christchurch Airport

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