Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have received the green light from New Zealand’s Associate Minister of Transport, Hon Matt Doocey, to extend their joint venture alliance for another five years until March 2029. This development promises to offer customers increased value, greater choices, and access to an extensive global network in the years ahead.
Since the inception of their partnership in the beginning of 2015, the airlines have notably increased seat capacity between New Zealand and Singapore by nearly 50%. This expansion encompasses up to three daily services between Auckland and Singapore and a daily service connecting Christchurch to Singapore.
Mr. Mike Williams, Air New Zealand’s Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer, emphasized the significance of this partnership in connecting New Zealand to the rest of the world. “Since the alliance was launched at the beginning of 2015, the two flag carriers have together carried over 4.6 million passengers between New Zealand, Singapore and beyond,” Mr. Williams stated. He highlighted the partnership’s role in facilitating access to destinations in Europe, India, and Southeast Asia through Singapore Airlines’ vast network, enhancing trade, tourism, customer choice, and connectivity.
Looking ahead, the collaborators will, subject to regulatory approval, launch a fourth daily seasonal service between Auckland and Singapore from 27 October 2024 to 29 March 2025. This initiative aims to cater to the high demand during the peak holiday season, offering customers enhanced connectivity and options.
Mr. Dai Haoyu, Acting Senior Vice President Marketing Planning at Singapore Airlines, endorsed the extension of the alliance, noting the nearly decade-long strong partnership between the two airlines. “The extension of our alliance allows us to continue offering our customers even more options between Singapore and New Zealand, as well as to domestic destinations with New Zealand and around the world,” Mr. Dai remarked. He especially pointed out the introduction of the fourth daily seasonal service between Auckland and Singapore as a means to support increasing travel demand for both business and leisure.
The strengthened alliance will see the carriers jointly operating 38 return services weekly between New Zealand and Singapore during peak months, making over 893,000 seats available annually. This enhanced collaboration between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines marks a significant step towards amplifying global connectivity and travel choices for their customers in the forthcoming years.
