Australasia’s longest flight

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia are to launch Australasia’s longest non-stop flight, nearly seven hours between Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island, and Perth, Western Australia.  The route was last flown over 20 years ago.  The twice weekly direct service will operate through the peak demand period from December 2013 until late April 2014.  Flights will be operated by two-class Boeing 767 aircraft.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon announced the new route, on behalf of the alliance partners, at the official opening of Christchurch International Airport’s new terminal facilities rebuilt after the terrible earthquake series 2010-2012.  Mr Luxon highlighted Christchurch and Perth as the two largest trans-Tasman destinations without a current direct alliance service.
 
“This is a great time to be linking these two destinations.  The West Australian economy continues to grow at a faster rate than the rest of Australia and rebuilding activity is poised to stimulate travel demand within Christchurch and Canterbury”.
 
Mr Luxon says “Christchurch is also a convenient hub for the whole South Island – particularly now the airport company is providing world class terminal facilities”. www.airnewzealand.co.nz www.virginaustralia.com

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