New Zealand a crucial port for airline

China Southern Airlines CEO Tan Wangeng (left) and Auckland International Airport CEO Simon Moutter (right). Photo / Supplied

New Zealand is crucial to exploring Australasia and accelerating an international network-oriented transformation, says China Southern Airlines.

The Chinese carrier's inaugural direct flight from the city of Guangzhou to New Zealand touched down in Auckland on Saturday.

"By 2015, China Southern plans to operate 110 flights per week between Guangzhou and Australasia, making Guangzhou the most convenient connecting point between Europe, America, Middle East and Australia." the airline said. China Southern had a relatively mature presence in the domestic Chinese market but little experience and low recognition in the international marketplace.

The next step for China Southern included understanding the needs of international passengers, learning about the marketing methods of competitors and enhancing capability in the marketplace.

China's National Tourism Administration said that by 2015 there would be 3.3 billion domestic travellers and 83 million outbound tourists.

There was reason to believe the airline's direct service would speed up the development of economic and trade, as well as leisure travel for both nations, the airline said. A free trade agreement had been signed more than two years ago and last year bilateral trade was worth $10 billion, which made China the second largest trade partner for New Zealand.

"Thanks to New Zealand's bountiful resources, coupled with world famous farming products and Guangdong superior manufacturing, labour force and consumption, the two countries complement each other with a huge potential in the future."

China Southern has used an aggressive advertising campaign in newspapers and websites throughout New Zealand this year.

"Compared with Australia, New Zealand has a lower awareness in China and we hope the New Zealand Government will invest in promotion of the country to make Chinese people know about it and choose it as a preferred business and leisure destination," it said. The airline planed to offer convenient schedules, including red-eye flights to New Zealand and free accommodation for passengers whose connecting time exceeded six hours.