Air New Zealand Celebrates 60 Years of Service to Hong Kong
- Joe Breitfeller
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Air New Zealand is marking 60 years of service between Auckland and Hong Kong, celebrating six decades of connecting people, trade and opportunity between New Zealand and one of Asia’s most dynamic hubs.
On Tuesday (March 3, 2026), Air New Zealand marked the 60th anniversary of trade, travel and partnership between New Zealand and Hong Kong. On March 3, 1966, Air New Zealand operated their inaugural Douglas DC-8 service from Auckland to Hong Kong, opening a new chapter in the airline’s long-haul flight history. The route quickly became known for its memorable arrival into Kai Tak airport, famed for its dramatic approach. Pilots had to navigate sharp turns between high rise apartment blocks, offering passengers a close-up view into neighbouring flats before landing on the harbor side runway. Celebrating this milestone, Air New Zealand is offering one-way fares from New Zealand to Hong Kong form $699 (T&Cs apply).
In Tuesday’s announcement, Air New Zealand’s General Manager – Long-Haul, Kyle McGillivray-Brown, said,
“Reaching 60 years of service between Auckland and Hong Kong is a proud milestone for Air New Zealand and a testament to the strength of this important connection. For six decades, this route is helped connect New Zealand to the world, supporting Kiwi travellers exploring Asia and beyond, enabling our exporters to reach global markets, and welcoming visitors, students and business partners to our shores.”
Air New Zealand Celebrates 60 Years of Service Between New Zealand and Hong Kong - Courtesy Air New Zealand
Today, combined with alliance partner Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand carries over 350,000 passengers each year, with up to 16 flights a week operating during peak periods, flying into Hong Kong International Airport. In 2025, the majority of products air freighted between Auckland and Hong Kong were carried on an Air New Zealand aircraft. Key commodities include e-commerce, accounting for 70 percent of volume, and consumer electronics at 20 percent.
Established in 1940, Air New Zealand first took to the skies between Auckland and Sydney with a Short S30 flying boat. Known for their warm Kiwi hospitality, the carrier currently operates a fleet ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320 Family jets to ATR and Q300 turboprop aircraft. The carrier’s modern and fuel-efficient fleet has an average age of 9.9 years. In 2024, Air New Zealand carried more than 16 million passengers. The carrier serves 20 different regions around New Zealand, and offers direct international service to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the U.S. Additionally, through strong relationships with alliance partners, the airline offers hundreds more destinations.
Source: Air New Zealand
