Air New Zealand announced it will add more than 7,000 seats between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Auckland Airport (AKL) over the 2027 Chinese New Year period, one of the busiest travel seasons for Chinese visitors to New Zealand.
From January 23 to February 20, 2027, the airline will operate three additional return services a week on the route, raising its weekly frequency to ten.
Chief Commercial Officer Scott Wilkinson said the extra flights respond to strong customer demand during the holiday period, and that the airline is being deliberate about where it adds capacity.
“Shanghai at this time of year is a fantastic opportunity,” Wilkinson said.
The additional services coincide with the peak of the New Zealand summer. Wilkinson said they will make it easier for more visitors to travel to New Zealand and connect onto the airline’s domestic network, supporting tourism and businesses across the country.
More belly cargo for exporters, more choice for outbound travelers
The extra flights will also add cargo capacity at a key time of year. According to Wilkinson, this will help New Zealand exporters move more products into China during the Chinese New Year period.
The added frequencies are also expected to serve outbound travelers from New Zealand, including those going to China to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, as well as passengers connecting to other destinations.
Air China partnership extends reach to more than 30 destinations across China
Air New Zealand’s alliance with Air China provides further options between the two countries. During peak season, the two airlines operate up to 24 weekly services between New Zealand and China across Shanghai and Beijing.
Through Air China’s domestic network via Beijing and Shanghai, the partnership gives passengers access to more than 30 destinations across China.