Air New Zealand announce first ever services between Christchurch and Los Angeles

Air New Zealand announces first ever Christchurch to Los Angeles direct flights

26 May 2004

At a special function in Christchurch this morning, Air New Zealand announced that from November 2 it will commence the first ever non-stop flights between Christchurch and Los Angeles.

Operating three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, the new service will also connect directly with Air New Zealand’s flights between Los Angeles and London, providing a one stop service between Christchurch and London.

“South Island tourism is now directly connected to New Zealand’s two biggest inbound long-haul markets of the USA and the UK,” said Air New Zealand Managing Director and CEO Ralph Norris, at a function for media attending the TRENZ annual international tourism tradeshow.

“For tourists from both markets, visiting the South Island is a must during their time in New Zealand, with Canterbury and Otago two of the most popular regions visited. It also provides an important option for convenience sensitive travellers wishing to make the most of their trip to New Zealand, enabling them to consider flying into Christchurch and out of Auckland, or vice versa.”

“With the ability to now fly non-stop into Christchurch, the South Island can look forward to increased popularity, a larger share of tourist visitor nights, and the opportunity to secure a larger portion of the combined $1.5 billion these two markets spend annually while they’re in New Zealand.

“It also delivers South Island travellers with the ultimate convenience of a non-stop long haul service to the USA and the quickest way to the UK,” said Mr Norris.

New Zealanders are travelling in greater numbers than ever, with April figures up 37% on the same time the year before, the largest increase on record. Travel to the USA increased 43% and travel to the UK was up by 6%.

“With more people travelling comes demand for greater choice, convenience and availability, so direct services from Christchurch are definitely needed, and as New Zealand’s flag carrying airline, we are very excited to be the first to offer it,” said Mr Norris.

Standard economy airfares start from NZD$1,999 return ex Christchurch, the same as existing fares from Christchurch via Auckland. International fares are also similar to existing levels, with standard fares from Los Angeles starting at USD$1,333, and £610 from the UK. On-sale fares in each market can see prices reduce significantly at various times of the year.

Tickets are now on sale online, through Air New Zealand Travel Centres, or through your local travel agent.

The three services are made possible by a reschedule of the 17 Auckland to Los Angeles return services a week, which will see Auckland retaining double-daily services and three moving onto the Christchurch – Los Angeles route to meet what has until now been unsatisfied customer demand.

Utilising a 392 seat Boeing 747-400 will place more than 60,000 additional seats each way annually into and out of Christchurch.

Flights will depart Christchurch at 8.30pm arriving into Los Angeles at 12.15pm the same day, with a flight time of 12 hours 45 minutes. The flight connects with the onward London flight (NZ2) departing Los Angeles at 2.45 pm.

The return service from Los Angeles connects with the inbound London flight (NZ1) which lands in Los Angeles at 5.45pm. The flight departs Los Angeles at 8.45pm and arrives into Christchurch at 7.15am after a 13.5 hour journey.

“Thanks to our own marketing activity in the USA and UK, and Tourism New Zealand’s expanded activity in the US thanks to a much appreciated recent $15 million increase in funding from the New Zealand Government for that market, we look forward to this service being a major success,” said Mr Norris.

Flight Schedule:

Three times a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (from both CHC and LAX)
Routes Depart Arrival Flight Time
NZ18 Christchurch – Los Angeles 8.30pm 12.15pm 12h 45mins

Connects to – from

NZ2 Los Angeles – London 2.45pm 11.00am 10h 20mins

NZ1 London – Los Angeles 4.15pm 5.45pm 11h 15mins

NZ19 Los Angeles – Christchurch 8.45pm 7.15am(+2) 13h 30mins

For further information please contact:

Mark Street

Marketing Communications Manager