Air NZ boosts Christchurch flights

An Air New Zealand Bombardier Q300. Photo / Warren Buckland

Air New Zealand has increased the number of flights it offers between Christchurch and several regional airports.

The airline announced today it was increasing capacity on Christchurch routes to cater for growing travel demand stimulated by the earthquake rebuild.

Starting this week, 14 more Bombardier Q300 services will fly between New Plymouth and Christchurch each week, lifting capacity to about 67,000 seats each year.

Air New Zealand will also increase flights between Tauranga and Christchurch from 18 to 24 direct Q300 services per week.

An extra eight flights have been added between Hamilton and Christchurch.

Bringing in new ATR-600 aircraft to the regional fleet would allow the airline to shift capacity onto high demand routes, said Air NZ spokesman Cam Wallace.

"A number of customers travelling from New Plymouth, Hamilton and Tauranga to Christchurch have previously had to travel via Wellington. They will now have far greater travel convenience," Wallace said.

"We're constantly reviewing and adapting our domestic network in order to meet regional passenger demand and we're pleased to be facilitating the ongoing rebuild within the Canterbury region in this instance."