More NZ-Canada flights agreed

Canada's Lake Louise. Flights between New Zealand and Canada are set to become more frequent following a new air transport agreement. Photo / Vania Kensington

New Zealand has signed an air transport agreement with Canada which allows more frequent flights.

Trade Minister Tim Groser said the agreement, signed overnight in Singapore, would create opportunities for further development of business and tourism.

"The agreement removes previous limitations on the frequency of flights that can be provided. Additionally, New Zealand and Canadian carriers can now operate to and beyond each other's country over any routing."

Air New Zealand started non-stop services from Auckland to Vancouver in November 2007 and flies three times a week on the route. It also has an extensive code-share arrangement with its Star Alliance partner Air Canada.

Almost 49,000 Canadians visited New Zealand in the year ending April 2009, a 20 per cent increase in the past five years.

Just over 20,000 New Zealanders travelled to Canada as their primary destination last year, a 63 per cent increase compared to five years ago.

The Air Transport Agreement was signed in Singapore by Tim Groser and his Canadian counterpart Stockwell Day. Mr Groser is in Singapore attending the Apec Trade Ministers Meeting.

- NZPA