Air New Zealand to Launch New Service from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth

Air New Zealand has announced a major international expansion, with new service from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo-Narita and Perth.  From late October 2026, the routes will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - Courtesy Air New Zealand

On Wednesday (May 20, 2026), Air New Zealand announced the launch of three new nonstop international routes from Christchurch, with new service to Singapore, Tokyo-Narita and Perth as part of an agreement with Christchurch Airport to grow international connectivity into the South Island.  Launching from late October 2026, the new services mark a significant expansion of international flying from Christchurch.  This will be enabled by the return of Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, after being grounded due to global engine maintenance issues, as well as the delivery of new 787s.  The first Christchurch-Singapore service will depart on October 28th, followed by Christchurch-Narita on November 28th, and Christchurch-Perth on November 30th.

In Wednesday’s announcement, New Zealand’s Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston, said,

“New Zealand is a trading nation so being well connected to the world matters.  It supports tourism, helps our exporters reach global markets, and ensures people and goods can move reliably.  This agreement between Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport reflects a collective focus on long-term practical growth - strengthening direct connections and opening up more opportunities for the South Island.

“With both Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport represented on the Prime Minister's recent Singapore mission, this announcement is effectively the first cab off the rank, showing how stronger international relationships can translate into real opportunities for business and tourism for Christchurch, the South Island and New Zealand exporters.”

Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a long-term partnership.  This will result in long-term planning and network development, with both organizations working together to support sustainable growth, improved customer experience, and stronger international connections for the South Island. 

Speaking on the new partnership, Air New Zealand’s CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, said,

“As New Zealand's national airline we think about connectivity at a country level - where we can help open up the greatest value and opportunities for customers, for regions, and for the economy.  With aircraft returning to service, we're now in the fantastic position of being able to grow again, and we are delighted this is going to happen in the South Island.

“The three new routes are a deliberate step to reconnect Christchurch directly to major global hubs in Asia, strengthen links into Australia, and change how the South Island connects to the world, including where visitors arrive and how they move through the country. It reflects the strength of our partnership with Christchurch Airport and the work that's gone into building this together.”

Also commenting on the new commercial cooperation, Christchurch Airport’s CEO, Justin Watson, said,

“This is a landmark moment. Seeing multiple new international widebody services launch from Christchurch builds on the growth already happening across our international network and creates major opportunities for freight exporters, the tourism sector and our wider economy. It reflects our strong partnership with Air New Zealand and our shared focus on growing international connectivity for the South Island.  

“New routes don't happen overnight. They take sustained effort, collaboration, and giving airlines and travellers even more reasons to choose Christchurch. That means creating the right conditions for more non-stop services, supporting our partner airlines to grow successfully here, and continuing to strengthen our role as the South Island's international gateway - leading the way in attracting new connections, growing demand, and creating long-term opportunities for tourism, trade and business.”

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