Air New Zealand is using a Boeing 787 on its new service to Taipei. Photo / Grant Bradley
Air New Zealand is using a Boeing 787 on its new service to Taipei. Photo / Grant Bradley
Air New Zealand's latest long-haul service's is en-route to Taipei.
The inaugural flight between Auckland and the Taiwanese capital departed around midday.
The 2.3-year-old Boeing 787 Dreamliner is scheduled to land in Taipei around 5.45pm local time (10.45pm NZT).
The airline had planned to fly up to five times aweek but aircraft shortages as a result of Rolls Royce engine issues had forced it to scale back to three times a week.
Air New Zealand chief revenue officer Cam Wallace, who is travelling on the inaugural flight, said the Auckland–Taipei service marked the start of a busy few months for the airline, including the launch of its Chicago service.
"We're excited to offer our customers a direct link between New Zealand and Taipei. Demand for the three day a week service has been strong, particularly around the Chinese New Year period," he said.
About 42,000 visitors a year from Taiwan came to New Zealand and the airline expected it would grow further.
More Kiwis were expected to fly to Taipei, renowned for its food scene, lively night markets, traditional temples and shopping streets.
