19 June 2017
The arrival into Auckland of a chartered Nauru Airlines B737-300 from Norfolk Island would not have turned many heads on Saturday afternoon. However, for Auckland Airport the touch-down held particular significance as this inaugural flight signalled the arrival of its 30th commercial passenger airline partner.
The new weekly service is operated by Nauru Airlines for Norfolk Island Airlines, and re-establishes a direct connection between Auckland and the Pacific island which was lost when Air New Zealand ceased their service in May.
Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s acting general manager – aeronautical commercial, says that the addition of Norfolk Airlines as the airport’s milestone 30th airline – following hot on the heels of airline number 29, Sichuan Airlines, which commenced its Chengdu service last Tuesday – highlights the breadth of travel opportunities now available through Auckland Airport.
“Auckland Airport is a rapidly growing aviation hub for the Asia-Pacific region, connecting Auckland to New Zealand and New Zealand to the world. Having welcomed 12 new airlines over the last two years, we are now able to offer direct connections to 46 international destinations, as well as 19 destinations around New Zealand. This growing network doesn’t just support inbound and outbound travel and tourism, but plays a key role in maintaining and growing trade links for New Zealand companies,” says Mr Tasker.
The Norfolk Island service is very much a tourism opportunity for New Zealanders seeking a unique holiday experience. Norfolk Island Airlines offers economy, premium economy and business class seats for the two-hour flight, which operates weekly, every Saturday, and also benefits from same-day connectivity to most New Zealand regional airports.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Gez Johns
+64 27 406 3024
[email protected]
About Norfolk Island:
- Situated between New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia, just under 750 kilometres north-west of Cape Reinga.
- Total land mass of 35 square kilometres
- Resident population of less than 2000
- Part of the Australian Commonwealth
- Year-round mild subtropical climate (coolest June-September)