Cathay Pacific Boosts Christchurch Route with Major Capacity Increase, Strengthening South Island Tourism and Trade

Published on December 4, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Cathay Pacific is making a significant return to Christchurch, New Zealand, with a substantial increase in capacity on its seasonal route. The airline is offering an impressive 88% increase in seat capacity compared to the previous season, which is expected to have a significant impact on both tourism and trade in the South Island region. This capacity expansion signals Cathay Pacific’s strong confidence in the potential of the region’s economic growth, reinforcing its commitment to providing direct connections between Christchurch and key destinations across the globe.

The newly expanded service aims to simplify travel for visitors from North Asia, Hong Kong, and beyond. Previously, travelers would have to make complex domestic connections from Auckland, but with the new service, they can now enjoy a direct route to Christchurch. This means fewer stopovers and a more streamlined journey for passengers, while also enhancing tourism opportunities for New Zealand’s South Island. The direct flight also leverages Cathay Pacific’s extensive global network, allowing visitors to connect seamlessly to other key markets around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Cathay Pacific’s seasonal route, a part of the airline’s joint venture alliance with Air New Zealand, will operate four flights per week from December 2024 to late February 2025. The service will be operated using the spacious and efficient Airbus A350-1000, which is known for its superior fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and enhanced range. After February 2025, the airline plans to reduce the frequency to three weekly flights using the Airbus A350-900, maintaining strong connectivity for the rest of the year.

This substantial increase in flight capacity comes at a time when the tourism sector in New Zealand is experiencing rapid growth, with more travelers seeking to explore the scenic beauty and unique attractions of the South Island. Cathay Pacific’s enhanced services will help meet the demand for international travel and bolster the region’s tourism infrastructure, creating more opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

Supporting the South Island’s Export Market

In addition to the tourism aspect, the expanded service presents a significant opportunity for South Island exporters, particularly in industries such as agriculture and seafood. Christchurch Airport, which has been a key hub for Cathay Pacific’s operations in the region, expects the airline to transport approximately $100 million worth of freight during the 2024-2025 season. This includes high-value exports like New Zealand’s premium meat, seafood, and fruit.

One notable export benefiting from this service is New Zealand’s cherry industry, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. Since 2020, cherry exports have doubled, and the additional capacity provided by Cathay Pacific’s flights will help meet the rising demand for fresh New Zealand cherries in markets across Asia. The airline’s efficient cargo capabilities are expected to play a vital role in delivering fresh, high-quality produce to Asian markets, which are a key focus for New Zealand’s export sector.

Apart from cherries, the increased flight capacity will also support the export of other high-demand products like premium beef and seafood. New Zealand has built a reputation for producing high-quality food and agricultural products, and Cathay Pacific’s direct service will ensure these goods reach international markets more efficiently.

Strategic Airline Partnership

The Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand joint venture alliance has further strengthened the value of the Christchurch route, providing additional benefits for Air New Zealand customers. Travelers who are part of the Air New Zealand loyalty program can now earn Airpoints when flying on Cathay Pacific, enhancing the benefits for frequent flyers. This alliance creates a seamless experience for travelers and further boosts the connectivity between New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the broader international network.

Cathay Pacific’s strategic decision to increase capacity on its Christchurch route also aligns with its broader vision of expanding its network in the Asia-Pacific region. With Hong Kong being one of the world’s major aviation hubs, passengers traveling on this route will have direct access to more than 80 international destinations, making it easier for travelers to visit Asia and beyond. The convenience of this direct flight not only simplifies travel for visitors to New Zealand but also opens up new opportunities for Kiwis to explore more destinations across Asia and Europe.

Economic Impact for Christchurch and South Island

The economic impact of Cathay Pacific’s increased flight capacity cannot be overstated. Christchurch Airport, in particular, is expected to see a significant boost in tourism and trade. Justin Watson, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, highlighted the importance of the new flights, noting that each international passenger from Asia generates around 12 nights of accommodation, which translates into substantial financial benefits for the local tourism industry. This increased flow of international visitors is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that rely on tourism.

The extra 40,000 seats offered by Cathay Pacific’s seasonal route will have a noticeable effect on the region’s tourism and economy. The influx of international visitors is expected to create more demand for local accommodation, which has traditionally been a challenge in Christchurch during peak tourist seasons. With more international travelers arriving directly into the city, local businesses will benefit from the increased foot traffic and spending power.

Additionally, the 88% capacity increase is part of a broader trend of growing international connectivity at Christchurch Airport. This expansion is also expected to contribute to a 25% overall increase in seat capacity across Christchurch’s long-haul international routes this summer, further solidifying the airport’s role as a key gateway to New Zealand for international travelers.

A Positive Outlook for the Future

Looking forward, the expansion of Cathay Pacific’s Christchurch service is expected to pave the way for even greater growth in tourism and trade in the South Island. The direct flights to Hong Kong open up a world of possibilities for New Zealanders seeking to travel to Asia and beyond, while also providing a more convenient way for international visitors to explore New Zealand. With strong connections to major international hubs, passengers can enjoy greater flexibility and access to a broader range of destinations, further driving tourism in the region.

Furthermore, the partnership between Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand is expected to continue to deliver strong benefits to passengers, businesses, and the region’s economy. The expanded capacity on the Christchurch route is just one example of how the airline is investing in the future of the South Island, and it’s a sign of Cathay Pacific’s commitment to helping grow New Zealand’s tourism and trade markets in the years to come.

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