Air New Zealand passengers will continue to benefit from connectivity and choice between New Zealand and China, with the airline’s partnership with Air China confirmed by the Ministry of Transport through to 2031.
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Since launching in 2015, more than 480,000 visitors have travelled to New Zealand via Beijing and Shanghai through the Alliance, contributing an estimated NZD $3 billion to the New Zealand economy over the past decade. In 2025 alone, the Alliance brought more than 56,000 visitors to New Zealand, with an estimated economic contribution of NZD $379 million.
Through the Alliance, customers benefit from more travel options and improved connectivity. During peak periods such as Chinese New Year, the partnership supports up to 17 return services per week between New Zealand and China, with Air China operating up to 10 services and Air New Zealand up to seven.
The Alliance provides access to more than 30 destinations across China through Air China’s domestic network via Beijing and Shanghai, while also making it easier for visitors from China to connect onwards through Air New Zealand’s domestic network to destinations across New Zealand.