HNA Group’s Tianjin Airlines is set to launch the first Chinese flights from Auckland to Chongqing and Tianjin of China in December 2016.
The flights will operate between Tianjin, Chongqing and Auckland three times a week using an A330 aircraft.
It will be the first Oceania route for Tianjin Airlines, which plans to use an A330 aircraft on the new routes to two of China’s most important economic centers.
Auckland Airport’s General Manager – aeronautical commercial, Norris Carter, says the airport warmly welcomes Tianjin Airline’s announcement.
“China is a rapidly developing source market for New Zealand tourism and this new route flying directly to Auckland provides another option for Chinese visitors to experience New Zealand,” Carter said.
Tianjin Airlines Company Limited was founded in June 2009 as an aviation enterprise co-established by Tianjin government and the HNA Group, the company which is purchasing Carlson Hotel Group.