New carrier arrives soon
Sichuan Airlines has become the seventh Chinese airline to launch services in New Zealand.
The airline will begin flying between Auckland and Chengdu, capital of the Sichuan province in China’s southwest, from June 13.
The A330-200 aircraft will initially fly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The flight will take about 13 hours.
‘‘This is our first flight to a whole new country – New Zealand,’’ JC Zhi says, the Sichuan Airlines New Zealand general manager.
‘‘We’re delighted to confirm the new service AKL-CTU-AKL as we have great confidence in the New Zealand market.
‘‘This news clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment as we open further gateways and services to China.’’
Sichuan Airlines, which was founded in 1986 and flies some 215 routes, is one of four Chinese passenger air carriers to have announced new services to this country in recent months.
Hong Kong Airlines, Hainian Airlines and Tianjin Airlines all launched new services to Auckland late last year.
China’s three major international carriers - Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern - already service New Zealand.
Sichuan Airlines began flying internationally in June 2012 with a service to Vancouver, Canada.