Air China Launches First Nonstop Flight to New Zealand

Air China (CA) Thursday launched a nonstop flight between Beijing and Auckland, New Zealand, the first direct flight from the Chinese capital to New Zealand, the airline announced Wednesday at a press conference held at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

The inaugural flight CA783, performed by Airbus A330-200 aircraft (Registration B-5932) departed from Beijing airport at 1:02 a.m. early Thursday and is expected to arrive at Auckland International Airport at 6:10 p.m. local time, according to VariFlight, China's leading flight status service provider.

The new service between Beijing and Auckland is operated under a joint venture with Air New Zealand, with the Kiwi national carrier code-sharing on the daily flights.

The outbound service, CA783, is scheduled to depart from PEK every day at 00:40 a.m. and arrive in Auckland at 6:10 p.m., with the return flight, CA784, then departs at 8:00 p.m. and lands back in Beijing at 4:30 a.m. the next morning.

The new nonstop service is operated with two-class A330-200, whose Business Class is equipped with full-flat seats and all classes of service provide personal AVOD and power outlets, guaranteeing passengers a truly pleasant journey. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be deployed on the route later.

"The new Beijing-Auckland service will offer more efficient, convenient and affordable flight options for business and leisure travellers between Air China and New Zealand. Air China and Air New Zealand will work together more closely to offer a more convenient air bridge for travellers," stated Wang Mingyuan, senior vice President of Air China.

In 2015, Air China has ramped up its efforts to expand its global reach. The new Beijing-Auckland service is part of Air China's continuous move to expand its presence in Oceania. On the Beijing-Auckland route, by strategic partnership, Air China and Air New Zealand will cooperate in terms of international operations, networks and capacity.

As part of its alliance with Air New Zealand, Air China will also codeshare on its partner's flights between Auckland and Shanghai.