Christchurch City Leaders Flying in Formation with Air New Zealand

Christchurch’s position as a key destination and commercial hub as well as the perfect basecamp to explore the South Island has been boosted by city leaders and Air New Zealand.

Christchurch city ratified a memorandum of understanding with Air New Zealand and the airline is working with city agencies to explore joint marketing activity, enhanced freight and passenger capacity, and signature events.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon says, “Christchurch is a priority market for Air New Zealand and an important gateway to the South Island and we are delighted to work with the city and to help it go from strength to strength.”

ChristchurchNZ, as the agency for economic development and city promotion, is facilitating the relationship between the city and Air New Zealand, on behalf of Christchurch City Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Christchurch International Airport and the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce.

The city partners are unanimous in their enthusiasm with Christchurch City Council's Chief Executive Karleen Edwards commenting, "It make so much sense for the city to partner with our national airline. It's important that key agencies work closely together to promote our wonderful city both domestically and internationally, as a city where anything is possible."

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Chief Operating Officer Julian Wilcox says, “We see this as a significant partnership and acknowledgment of the relationship between Air New Zealand and Ngāi Tahu.

“With Ōtautahi being the gateway to Te Waipounamu, we are committed to further developing innovative and future-focused ideas that strengthen and grow regional economic and environmentally sustainable outcomes across the takiwā – and this partnership is another step forward to supporting our vision.”

Leeann Watson, CEO of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber says, “The Chamber has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Air New Zealand over the past 20 years, and we are excited to see Air New Zealand reconfirming its commitment to our city and region as both one of Christchurch’s largest employers, and as a key connector of visitors and freight for our tourism businesses and exporters. Their support of our region continues to be vital for our businesses to get their goods to the world.”

Malcom Johns, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, says he’s excited about the opportunities that working together creates.

“It’s great to have all the key players in the city “flying in formation” with our largest airline partner to enhance Christchurch’s position as both a gateway and a destination.”

ChristchurchNZ chief executive Joanna Norris added, “Air New Zealand is a pivotal partner for the city as we work closely to enhance destination Christchurch as a city of opportunity and exploration through Air New Zealand’s international channels and networks.”

The closer working relationship also aims to leverage Air New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to aircraft maintenance facilities and operational and sales teams in Christchurch, within the airline’s Sustainability Framework.

The partnership, signed in Christchurch at a recent meeting of Air New Zealand’s board of directors, also sees enhanced opportunities and initiatives to support growth in business and trade, international education and regional development.

Ms Norris says, “The fantastic growth we have seen in recent years in visitor numbers to Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region has been as a result of everyone working together.

“Having Air New Zealand on board will serve to ignite our ambitions further and we are delighted to have entered into the arrangement with our national carrier.”