KEY POINTS:
Air New Zealand said today it would increase services to Shanghai and Hong Kong following strong demand for the airline's new services.
From October 31, Air NZ will operate two additional services a week between Auckland and Shanghai, increasing its weekly operations from three to five services. The route was only opened in November.
The airline will also introduce double daily services between Auckland and Hong Kong on Fridays and Sundays from November 30 to March 2, 2008.
"As we had anticipated, demand for these services is now comfortably strong enough to justify these new services," international airline manager Ed Sims said.
He said a new daily service to London via Hong Kong had stimulated new business on the Auckland to Hong Kong leg.
He said the cargo business had grown strongly.
From the end of March, the company is also starting a weekly Saturday service between Wellington and Nadi, and Christchurch and Nadi. This will increase to two services a week over the winter season between July 3 and September 29.
The new services reflect the increasing demand for direct flights to the Pacific Islands.
Despite the military coup in Fiji, it continued to be a popular leisure destination, Mr Sims said.
- NZPA
