23 July 2013
Auckland Airport has welcomed the announcement that China Southern Airlines current daily services to Auckland will be serviced by the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft from late October.
Announced today at a press conference held by China Southern Airlines, the change in schedule will see the daily Dreamliner service commence on the Guangzhou – Auckland route from October 28, well ahead of the previously announced Auckland debut of December 4.
This will be followed by a second China Southern Airlines’ Dreamliner servicing Auckland for the peak summer period of December 4 to March 1, when the number of flights on the Guangzhou to Auckland route will increase from seven to ten weekly flights.
Glenn Wedlock, Auckland Airport’s general manager aeronautical commercial, is delighted with the announcement as it not only provides immediate growth in capacity but also offers customers a number of significant benefits that come hand-in-hand with the Dreamliner service.
“The announcement of the change to the 787 Dreamliner aircraft immediately provides us with almost five per cent growth in seat capacity per year. This, coupled with the additional three services per week in the summer peak season, again signals strong growth for the industry from Chinese arrivals,” says Mr Wedlock. “Equally, the Dreamliners are much more fuel efficient which makes the services more profitable and more beneficial in terms of environmental impact.”
“The new flights also offer a 20 per cent advantage in cargo revenue capacity over today’s similarly sized airplanes. This means more capacity to our biggest trading partner for high value air freight exports such as fresh produce,” says Mr Wedlock.
“As for benefits to the passengers, the Dreamliner’s include a range of interior improvements which provide more comfort and convenience,” continues Mr Wedlock. “One of the big advantages is that the cabins offer higher humidity which means customers will disembark their flight feeling fresher and less dried out, ready to enjoy their holiday or launch into their business activities.”
China Southern’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner has 228 seats, four first-class seats, 24 in business class and 200 seats in the economy cabin, and is the first Dreamliner ever to have a first class cabin.
Also announced at the press conference held by China Southern Airlines is the visa entry changes which now see New Zealanders allowed to transit in Guangzhou for 72 hours without a visa, an increase from the previously allowed stay of 24 hours.
Mike Ma, China Southern Airlines’ General Manager New Zealand, says the new visa waiver is a fantastic outcome and will have positive flow-on effects for the travel industry. “The new transit period of 72 hours allows visitors more time to explore Guangzhou, meaning more value for money as travellers can fully experience the city on their way to another destination,” said Mr Ma.
Mr Wedlock agrees and adds that the change is welcomed by Auckland Airport. “The new visa waiver will make it easier for New Zealanders transiting in Guangzhou to beyond countries,” says Mr Wedlock. “They will be able to enjoy the sights of Guangzhou for a transit period of up to 72 hours without having to worry about getting a visa. It is another important step between our two nations in opening-up markets, extending visa access and building on free trade agreements.”
For more information about the Dreamliner services please visit www.csair.com.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Kate Thompson
+64 21 385 446
China Southern Release:
New 72 Hour Travel Without Visa Policy To Begin August 1
Foreign Nationals From 45 Countries May Enter Guangzhou Without Visa
July 23, 2013 - Guangzhou, China - The People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Guangzhou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection China Southern Airlines and the Guangdong Airport Authority are pleased to announce that starting Thursday, August 1, foreign nationals from 45 countries and regions holding a third-country visa and onward airline ticketing may stay in Guangdong up to 72 hours without an entry visa to China.
With today's substantial announcement, Guangzhou joins Beijing and Shanghai as 72-hour border visa-free cities.
Foreign nationals from 45 countries and regions holding valid passports as well as connecting passenger tickets with set travel dates, are now qualified to depart Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou without needing a Chinese visa and will have free and unfettered access throughout Guangzhou Province during the 72-hour transit period.
Eligible foreign passengers may apply with their carrier airline, which then will declare to its border control authorities at the airport of departure and may temporarily enter Guangdong upon meeting the TWOV conditions by the frontier inspection authorities.
Implementation of this policy is expected to substantially promote the growing tourism industry throughout Guangdong, accelerating the urban internationalization and expanding economic and cultural exchanges at home and abroad.
China Southern Airlines has been one of the active promoters for the 72-hour TWOV at Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou. As a Guangzhou-headquartered company, China Southern Airlines has ramped-up its international strategy by actively promoting the Guangzhou brand as it works to built Guangzhou into an international aviation hub.
Currently, China Southern Airlines operates 44 international routes from its Guangzhou hub, with service to 37 countries and regions and more than 90 domestic flights. China Southern Airlines' Guangzhou hub has raised the number of transit passengers of all international routes, accounting for 50% of all passengers.
During the process of internalization, a flexible TWOV policy is one of the key driving factors in the competitiveness China Southern's Guangzhou hub.
In 2012, China Southern Airlines carried 340,000 international arrivals in Guangzhou and in the first half of 2013, the sixth traffic rights passengers transported by China Southern Airlines at it's Guangzhou hub has reached 210,000 arrivals, an increase of 41.5% year-on-year.
With the implementation of the 72-hour TWOV policy, the airline can expect transit passengers by China Southern flights will exceed 500,000 arrivals in Guangzhou.
In conformity with this new 72-hour TWOV policy, China Southern Airlines has specifically designed a series of customized services and products, providing transit passengers with one-stop professional quality services.
In addition to its substantial daily route services, China Southern Airlines will put its latest aircraft available for its Guangzhou departures. The airline is currently stationing its new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for international flights departing from Guangzhou, providing exceptional First and Business Class cabin facilities.
China Southern Airlines has also specially designed passenger services and site protection processes for “the 72-hour TWOV”, established an integrated counter advisory post for the 72-hour TWOV at Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou and selected five-star employees with the best English proficiency to provide the finest in professional customer services.
All of China Southern's 60 international offices have intensified publicity and promotion of the TMOV in their local media, tourist agency, agents and partners. The formal website of China Southern Airlines (www.csair.com) opened a feature column for 72-hour TWOV and China Southern Airlines has dedicated a special publicity video to passengers of international routes so as to introduce China customs and border control authorities’ policies on travelers and baggage as well as Guangzhou’s culture, local cuisine and special scenic spots.
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About China Southern Airlines
For more than 30 years, China Southern - www.csair.com - has been the largest airline in The People’s Republic of China and is headquartered at the ultra-modern Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou. China Southern operates a fleet of more than 500 modern aircraft and serves 193 cities in 30 countries and regions, forming an extensive network with Guangzhou and Beijing as its hubs. China Southern is a member of SkyTeam and together the other 18 member airlines offer its passengers a worldwide system of more than 19,000 daily flights covering more than 1,000 destinations in 187 countries.
China Southern’s Services and Products
Boarding Pass Privileges:
南航登机牌礼遇优惠
Show your 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption Permit and Boarding Pass of China Southern Airlines to enjoy discounts offered by our cooperative merchants in the sectors of accommodation, dining, scenic spots, recreation, shopping and ground transport.
Travel Routes
1. Half-day Tour半日专线游
Guangzhou’s Historical & Cultural Half-day Tour: Chen Clan Academy, Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, Shamian.
广州历史文化半日游：陈家祠，南越王墓，沙面
2.Cantonese Culture One-day Tour 广府文化一日游
Chen Clan Academy – Lizhi Creek – Xiguan Folk Custom Museum – Guangzhou Banxi Restaurant (Local Flavor Lunch) - Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King - Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall – Shangxiajiu Road Pedestrian Street- Guangzhou Restaurant (Local Flavor Dinner)
陈家祠-荔枝涌-西关民俗博物馆-广州半溪酒家（风味午餐）南越王博物馆-中山纪念堂-上下九路步行街-广州酒家（风味晚餐）
3.Guangzhou Two-day Tour广州二日游:
Route 1
Day 1: The Sculpture of the Five Rams – Zhenhai Tower – The Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King
Day 2: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall – Chen Clan Academy- Temple of the Six Banyan Trees – Panyu Baomo Garden
第一天：五羊石像-镇海楼-西汉南越王墓
第二天：中山纪念堂-陈家祠-六榕寺-番禺宝墨园
Route 2
Day 1: Chen Clan Academy – The Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King – Shamian - Canton Tower – Ersha Island - Haixinsha Sports Park – Huacheng Square- Pearl River Night Cruise
Day 2: Leave Guangzhou for Qingyuan, Guxiangli – Beijiang River (Enjoy Beijiang river food) - Feixia Scenic Area – Hot Spring (Xinyinzhan or Meilin Lake)
第一天 ：陈家祠-南越王墓-沙面-广州塔-二沙岛-海心沙体育公园-花城广场-珠江夜游
第二天：广州出发往清远，故乡里-北江（享用北江河鲜）-飞霞风景名胜区-温泉（新银盏或美林湖）
产品购买方式
Product Buying Methods
China Southern Airlines works with China’s famous travel service companies to design the perfect trip in Guangzhou for travelers with the 72-hour transit visa exemption and invite them to savor Lingnan culture and experience fantastic Guangzhou. For the travel routes, you can visit the website of China Southern Airlines http://www.csair.com/en/ad/20110923/20110602_0.html or call 95539 for order.
中国南方航空公司携手中国知名旅游公司，为72小时过境免签旅客精心设计畅游广州完美行程，邀您一起品味岭南文化，体验魅力广州！定制游路线，可直接登陆南航网站http://www.csair.com/en/ad/20110923/20110602_0.html或致电南航客服热线95539实现轻松订购。
Questions & Answers
72-hour Transit Visa Exemption Policy
Q: What are the requirements foreign nationals have to meet to apply for the 72-hour transit visa exemption at Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou?
A: (1) Citizens from the 45 countries and regions under the 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption Program (the origins and destinations of travelers are not limited to such 45 countries); (2) Foreign nationals with valid international traveling documents and air ticket for a connecting flight with confirmed date of flight and seat for a third country (region) leaving China at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport within 72 hours; (3) The scope during the visa exemption is limited to the administrative precincts of Guangdong Province.
Q: What 45 countries are included?
A: (1) 24 countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. (2) Seven additional European countries: Russia, Great Britain, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. (3) Six American countries: United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. (4) Two Oceanic countries: Australia and New Zealand and (5) Six Asian countries: Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Q: Is the 72-hour limit in the “72-hour Transit Visa Exemption” calculated by starting with the entry time?
A: No. The 72-hour limit is calculated by starting with zero hour next day of the traveler’s entry. For example, if a traveler enters China at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on August 1, 2013, the visa exemption limit for entry is calculated by starting with 00:00 on August 2, 2013. The traveler can leave China before 23:59 on August 4, 2013.
Q: How can a foreign national that meets the requirements for the 72-hour transit visa exemption apply for it?
A: A foreign national that meets the requirements may submit his/her request to the airline company that carries him/her to Guangzhou, which shall make the application to the border control authority of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport that shall grant a temporary entry of a passenger meeting the requirements for transit visa exemption upon verification. Additionally, a foreign national that does not apply for the 72-hour transit visa exemption before entry may submit his/her application to the border control authority before completion of the border control formalities after arrival at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Q: Can a traveler apply for the 72-hour transit visa exemption when no exit air ticket is bought at the time of entry but he or she plans to purchase the air ticket for a third country leaving within 72 hours after entry?
A: A foreign national applying for the 72-hour transit visa exemption must hold an airline ticket for a connecting flight with confirmed date of flight and seat for a third country (region) leaving China at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, i.e., the exit air ticket is already in place before entry. Therefore, this facilitation measure does not apply to a foreign national that does not have a confirmed air ticket for a connecting flight leaving within 72 hours.
Q: Does this measure apply to a foreign national coming to Guangzhou from a certain country (region) with a confirmed air ticket for flying back to the same country (region) where he or she comes from within 72 hours with confirmed date of flight and seat?
A: The 72-hour transit visa exemption measure is for a foreign national passing through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport for a third country or region. Therefore this measure does not apply to a passenger whose destination country is the country where he or she comes from.
Q: Can a foreign national leave Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou for another Chinese city after getting the 72-hour transit visa exemption?
A: He or she may leave for any city located within Guangdong Province but may not leave Guangdong Province.
Q: Can a passenger enter China at Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou and then leave from the Guangzhou East Railway Station within the 72 hour period?
A: This measure is currently available at Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou only, which means that the travelers who enjoy the 72-hour transit visa exemption policy are only permitted to enter and leave China at Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou.
Q: What should be done in case a foreign national who has the 72-hour transit visa exemption cannot leave China within 72 hours due to some special reason after entry?
A: In case of special need to stay in the administrative precincts of Guangdong Province longer than 72 hours due to force majeure or of exceeding the permitted scope of stay, a passenger should apply for the relevant visa to the exit-entry administration department of the municipal public security authorities of Guangdong or visit www.gdcrj.com for additional information.
Q: If I have more questions concerning the entry-exit border control formalities, who may I contact?
A: You may call the 24-hour inquiry hotline of Baiyun Entry-Exit Border Control Station at +86 20 3606-6950 or the 24-hour inquiry hotline of Guangzhou General Station of Immigration Inspection at +86 20 3209-0088.