Air New Zealand will commence direct services between Adelaide and Auckland from March next year, becoming the first new carrier to establish services at the new $260 million Adelaide airport terminal, set to officially open this Friday.
From 26 March 2006, Air New Zealand will introduce three direct flights a week between Adelaide and Auckland on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays contributing more than 43,000 passenger seats on the route.
The new service also has excellent connections with Air New Zealand's direct services between Auckland and Los Angeles as well as San Francisco, creating one of the shortest travel times for customers between Adelaide and the USA.
The flights will also provide access to the airline's extensive domestic New Zealand network of 25 destinations, including Christchurch and Queenstown, providing easy passage between Adelaide and New Zealand's South Island in time for next year's ski season.
Air New Zealand General Manager Australia, Michael Reed said Air New Zealand was delighted to be adding Adelaide to its Australian network.
"Adelaide offers us a great opportunity to generate new inbound and outbound tourism between South Australia, New Zealand and the USA and offer South Australians a competitive alternative to our key destinations," he said.
"We're excited to be the first new carrier making use of the new Adelaide airport terminal which is a state-of-the-art facility that will only enhance Adelaide's status as an international gateway to Australia and support our ability to offer our customers a high level of service both on and off the ground."
South Australian Premier Mike Rann says Air New Zealand's decision to include Adelaide on its flight schedule highlights the pulling power of Adelaide's new state-of-the-art airport.
"I'm delighted to welcome Air New Zealand as the first international carrier to announce fresh flights taking advantage of our new-look airport," says Premier Rann.
"We look forward to greeting some 21,000 additional international visitors to South Australia from March next year.
"South Australia is enjoying a growing reputation as a premier tourism destination and a great place to do business and this new gateway to Adelaide will only enhance our appeal to visitors from New Zealand and the United States."
Offering a user-friendly daylight schedule, the service will depart Auckland at 8.15 am and touch down in Adelaide at 10.35 am local time before returning from Adelaide to Auckland at 11.30 am for a 6.10 pm arrival.
Air New Zealand will operate its new Airbus A320 aircraft on the route offering Business Class and Pacific Economy Class seating. Passengers will enjoy soft, roomy leather seats, the latest new release movies, contemporary New Zealand cuisine and fine New Zealand wines as part of the complementary bar service all with Air New Zealand's renowned friendly service.
To mark the announcement of the new service, Air New Zealand has special launch fares to New Zealand and the USA for a limited time only.
On sale from today until 11 October 2005, fares from Adelaide to Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington start from $349 one way and from Adelaide to Los Angeles or San Francisco from $2,030 return. The launch fares are inclusive of taxes and surcharges and will be available for travel from 26 March to 30 June 2006. Conditions and blackout periods may apply. For bookings log onto www.airnewzealand.com.au, call 13 24 76 or visit your local travel agent.
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