Tag Archives: Justin Watson

Christchurch Airport Welcomes Air New Zealand’s First Direct Flight from Adelaide, Strengthening Trans-Tasman Ties

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(IN SHORT) Christchurch Airport celebrated the inaugural Air New Zealand flight from Adelaide, strengthening ties between the South Island and South Australia. The milestone follows over five decades of sister-city collaboration between Christchurch and Adelaide and supports increased travel, tourism, and cultural exchange between the regions. The launch ceremony featured a kapa haka performance and… Read the full news article

Originair’s Blenheim-Christchurch Flights Strengthen South Island Links as Christchurch Airport Builds on Last Year’s Growth

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(NEWS) CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, 2025-Oct-22 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport has strengthened its role as a key gateway for the South Island, celebrating the launch of Originair’s new service between Blenheim and Christchurch. The route, which began on 19 October, was welcomed with a ceremonial water arch as the aircraft taxied in, marking the… Read the full news article

Major Progress at Christchurch Airport with First Panels Installed at Kōwhai Park Solar Farm

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(IN SHORT) The Kōwhai Park solar farm at Christchurch Airport has marked the installation and sign-off of its first row of solar panels—the ‘Golden Row.’ Delivered by a partnership between Lightsource bp, Contact Energy, and the airport authority, the 168 MW DC project spans 230 hectares and will generate enough clean electricity to power more… Read the full news article

Early Start for Cathay’s Hong Kong Route Boosts Christchurch Summer Connectivity

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(IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific will kick off its seasonal Hong Kong–Christchurch route on 3 November 2025—one month earlier than in previous years—with three weekly flights rising to four during peak months. The schedule extension, following Cathay’s Skytrax #3 global ranking, increases both passenger and cargo capacity, benefiting South Island tourism and perishable exports. Christchurch Airport… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport Wins Global Sustainability Award for Kōwhai Park Solar Initiative and Net Zero Leadership

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(IN SHORT) Christchurch Airport has received the Platinum Award in ACI’s Green Airports Recognition 2025, one of only four airports globally to achieve the highest honour. The award celebrates the airport’s sustainability leadership, particularly the development of Kōwhai Park — a 300,000-panel solar farm that will power 36,000 homes and act as a clean energy… Read the full news article

Jetstar Launches Direct Christchurch-Cairns Flights, Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connectivity and Boosting Tourism

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(IN SHORT) Jetstar is set to launch direct flights from Christchurch to Cairns on 2 April, offering a convenient gateway for New Zealanders to explore the tropical splendor of Tropical North Queensland and for Australians to discover the scenic charm of Christchurch and the South Island. This new route expands Jetstar’s trans-Tasman network, joining its… Read the full news article

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

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(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… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport Unveils Major Terminal Revamp Ahead of Busy Summer Season

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(IN SHORT) Christchurch Airport has announced a comprehensive refurbishment of its terminal facilities ahead of the busy summer season, marking the largest upgrade since its opening in 2013. The project includes 12 new eateries, expanded retail spaces, upgraded amenities like bathrooms and a children’s play area, and a revamped food court. Local entrepreneurs and global… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport reports stronger-than-expected first-half-year results due to post-pandemic travel boom

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2023-Mar-01 — /Travel PR News/ — The transition to a post-pandemic environment with significantly more people travelling through Christchurch Airport has resulted in the airport company recording a stronger than forecast first half year result to 31 Dec 2022. A revitalised city with new infrastructure such as Te Pae, and attractions like… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport: China Airlines Schedules Dedicated Freight Flights for South Island Exports to Asian Markets

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High-value export markets are looking forward to famous South Island delicacies about to arrive from Christchurch Airport. Christchurch, New Zealand, 2023-Jan-05 — /Travel PR News/ — China Airlines has scheduled eight dedicated B777F freight aircraft between Taipei and Christchurch during January to take the prized exports into Asian markets. The services will transport 800,000 kilograms… Read the full news article

Christchurch International Airport appoints Justin Watson as new Chief Executive

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2022-Dec-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The Board of Christchurch International Airport Limited has spent the past few months undertaking an extensive search for its new Chief Executive, assisted by Kerridge & Partners, and has made an appointment. Director and Chair of the Board’s People, Culture and Safety Committee Sarah Ottrey says… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport to host Job Fair on Saturday August 27

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If you fancy working at the airport, your best chance to do so is a few days away. Christchurch, New Zealand, 2022-Aug-10 — /Travel PR News/ — Like a number of airports across the world, Christchurch Airport is hosting a Job Fair, to help more than 20 employers on campus fill hundreds of vacancies. With… Read the full news article

Christchurch and Adelaide Airports sign MoU to secure direct air service between the two cities

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2022-Jul-14 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch and Adelaide Airports are this week celebrating their cities’ 50-year relationship by signing up to a memorandum of understanding with a view to securing a direct air service between the two cities. The sister city relationship was formed in 1972 to facilitate diplomatic ties, student… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport supports South Island’s peak export season

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2020-Dec-03 — /Travel PR News/ — New Zealand lamb will be served on British Christmas dinner tables, and in other parts of the world our live crayfish, fruit, produce and halal meat will be among tasty delicacies. Through the Government’s International Air Freight Capacity (IAFC) scheme, funding has been provided to airlines… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport welcomes new Korean Air service

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2019-Nov-26 — /Travel PR News/ — Korean Air will operate ten return services from December 27 between Incheon Airport, ranked the Best Airport Worldwide for 11 consecutive years, and Christchurch Airport, ranked Australasia’s Best Regional Airport. Christchurch Airport Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer, Justin Watson, says the service is a response to increasing… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport to introduce new larger Duty Free offering with Lagardere Travel Retail

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2018-Oct-09 — /Travel PR News/ — Doubling the size of the international retail space at Christchurch Airport is one of the many changes coming as a result of the appointment of a new world leading concessionaire. The airport has just signed a new eight-year concession with Lagardere Travel Retail, which, along with the… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport launches South Island Travel Store on Chinese travel service platform Fliggy

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2018-Sep-04 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport has today (31 August 2018) announced the launch of a South Island Travel Store on Fliggy, a leading Chinese travel service platform and part of the Alibaba digital ecosystem, in a move designed to promote regional tourism and economic development. Chinese travellers can plan and… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport and ATEED partner to help New Zealand businesses tap into Chinese e-commerce platform Alibaba

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2018-May-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) have signed a memorandum of understanding which will help New Zealand businesses tap into Chinese e-commerce platform Alibaba. The MOU will see the parties work together to help small to medium sized Kiwi businesses from both regions… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport: Singapore Airlines to start flying the latest Airbus 350 to and from Christchurch

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2018-May-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport welcomes today’s announcement that Singapore Airlines will start flying the latest Airbus 350 to and from Christchurch next January. The airline has been a partner here for more than 30 years and has been flying a 777 since 2002, but the upgrade to an A350… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport initiative to assist businesses to become Alipay merchants gains popularity across the South Island

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2017-Nov-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Alipay, the world’s leading mobile and online payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, is quickly expanding across the South Island as a Christchurch Airport project gains altitude. The project sees the airport’s ‘South’ initiative assist businesses to become Alipay merchants so they can connect with… Read the full news article

China Southern Airlines to increase direct services between Guangzhou and Christchurch Airport

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2016-Nov-30 — /Travel PR News/ — A significant vote of confidence in the South Island has come today (29 November 2016) with news China Southern Airlines will increase its direct services to Christchurch over the important summer season. The airline currently flies three times a week between Guangzhou and Christchurch, but today announced… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport welcomes Fiji Airways’ third permanent service between Christchurch and Nadi

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Services to increase to three flights per week from the South Island gateway. Christchurch, New Zealand, 2016-Sep-23 — /Travel PR News/ — It will be even easier to fly between Christchurch and Fiji from early January, when Fiji Airways adds a third permanent service. The Fiji national carrier already operates two-weekly services between Christchurch and Nadi,… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport: Emirates to fly its A380 aircraft into Christchurch every day from October 30

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2016-Sep-12 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport is welcoming today’s announcement Emirates will soon fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft into Christchurch every day from October 30. Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson says the addition of the A380 will offer those travelling in and out of the South Island a… Read the full news article

Christchurch Airport launches new fund to encourage the development of new and creative incentive itineraries for the Canterbury region

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Christchurch, New Zealand, 2016-Jun-20 — /Travel PR News/ — A new fund launched today by Christchurch Airport aims to encourage the development of new and creative incentive itineraries for the Canterbury region. The new fund is for businesses in the conference and corporate incentive sector to develop new travel itineraries to encourage more visitors to the… Read the full news article

Auckland Airport: Singapore Airlines to introduce A380 aircraft on its daily service to Auckland during the peak New Zealand summer period

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Auckland, New Zealand, 2014-8-11 — /Travel PR News/ — Auckland Airport has welcomed the announcement that Singapore Airlines is to introduce an A380 aircraft on its daily service to Auckland during the peak New Zealand summer period. The first Singapore Airlines A380 flight will arrive in Auckland on 28 October 2014. Charles Spillane, Auckland Airport’s acting general… Read the full news article

Auckland Airport welcomed Malaysia Airlines’ increase of daily flights on the Kuala Lumpur – Auckland route

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2013-07-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Strong demand for Malaysia Airlines’ services sees the airline confirm seasonal service daily flights on the Kuala Lumpur – Auckland route in the upcoming peak season. Auckland Airport has welcomed the announcement from Malaysia Airlines that due to strong demand for their services, they are increasing the number of flights from six… Read the full news article