China Southern Airline's top chef deal aims to attract Kiwis

Chef and restaurateur Al Brown. Photo / Greg Bowker

The China Southern Airlines partnership with chef and restaurateur Al Brown is aimed partly at getting more New Zealanders travelling on the airline, says its president and chief executive, Tan Wangeng.

Since the airline started services between Guangzhou and Auckland in 2011 the proportion of Kiwis travelling on it has increased.

Tan said the mix of passengers started at about 90 per cent Chinese but this was now down to 60 per cent.

"One of the purposes of the [new] food is to attract more Western passengers," he said.

The airline was also putting emphasis on better English language skills among ground crew and flight attendants on the route, Tan said.

Tan Wangeng says English language skills are a priority.

Since starting with just three flights a week, China Southern has grown rapidly to twice daily this summer. It is also using a Boeing 777-300 on the route to complement its smaller 787 Dreamliner.

Tan said passenger numbers had been growing at 20 per cent, year on year.

While there had been hopes the airline would extend its services to include Christchurch, he said Auckland was its priority for now.

Brown's New Zealand-themed meals will be served from next year.

China Southern's financial results have been hit by exchange losses caused by depreciation of the yuan this year.