Air New Zealand Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer, Michael Williams, says seeing the first service operate is a reflection of the airlines commitment to supporting regional connection.
“Working alongside partners like Air Chathams makes it easier for customers to travel across our country and strengthens local economies and regional tourism. By improving connectivity, we are creating smoother journeys and delivering more choice for communities in places we cant fly to ourselves.
While todays flight is an important first step, there is more to come, and both airlines are looking forward to continuing our work together on further interline connectivity in other regions.
Gillian and Des Connor, travelling from Whakatāne to Queenstown this morning were among the first to experience the partnership in action, connecting onwards on a single ticket with their bags checked through to Queenstown.
This makes travelling from Whakatāne incredibly easy. Being able to book it all on one ticket and know our bags will be waiting for us in Queenstown takes the stress out of the journey. It feels like our region is more connected than ever.
Air Chathams CEO Duane Emeny says the milestone reflects a shared focus on delivering for regional communities.
The regions are at the heart of what we do. This partnership connects Whakatāne more directly into the national network and gives our customers simpler access to the rest of New Zealand.
Associate Transport Minister, Hon James Meager says improved regional connectivity delivers tangible benefits.
Regional air services play a critical role in supporting tourism and trade and connecting smaller communities. I believe interlining agreements have the potential to be a true gamechanger for the industry. By simplifying travel and improving access, Air New Zealand and Air Chathams are supporting opportunities for communities well beyond a single route.
Building on the launch of the Whakatāne connection, both airlines are now working through the next stages of interline connectivity.
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: me***@******co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealands story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat – a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. Its a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealands global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 Worlds Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airlines laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airlines efforts in tackling some of New Zealands and the worlds most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealands loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com
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