New Zealand Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced that he has extended the strategic alliance between Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific will result in more benefits to travellers than would otherwise have been the case. Mr. Bridges has reauthorised the alliance for almost four years beyond its initial expiry date of 30 January 2016.
“This alliance has ensured the airlines work together on tourism and marketing initiatives so travellers can continue to benefit from more seats, improved flight schedules, shorter connection times, and reciprocal frequent flyer schemes,” Mr. Bridges commented.
Bridges pointed out that since the alliance was approved in 2012, visitor arrivals from Hong Kong to New Zealand have increased by more than 16 percent. Cathay Pacific recently announced it will operate an extra 13,500 seats on the Auckland-Hong Kong route in the 2015/16 peak summer period.
“While the alliance has given travelers to and from Asia more choice and flexibility than would otherwise have been the case, there is room for further improvement. My expectation is that Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific will continue working to show the alliance is in the best interests of consumers.” Mr. Bridges commented.