Today marks the 30th anniversary of a significant milestone for Queenstown, thanks to Air New Zealand.
Back on October 17, 1994, Air New Zealand launched a scheduled Auckland-Queenstown jet service, following in the footsteps of the national carrier and Mount Cook Group who had already been flying Boeing 737-200 hush-kitted jets into the resort for two years.
‘Connecting New Zealand’s main international hub directly with the Southern Lakes region was a game-changer,’ says Air NZ domestic GM Scott Carr. ‘Three decades later, this service has become the third-most popular on our domestic network.’
Over the past decade, Air New Zealand has transported over 7 million passengers between Queenstown and Auckland. This summer, the airline will operate up to 116 return services a week, with about eight flights each way, every day, increasing to 156 over the Christmas period.
Since May 23, 2016, Air NZ has also been operating after-dark flights on the route, allowing late-night connections into Queenstown. Carr estimates that up to 30% of passengers flying in from Auckland at certain times of the year are international-connecting travelers.
Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry highlights that about half of the passengers passing through the airport are on this route, enabling efficient and convenient travel for both business and leisure purposes, as well as creating long-haul connections with Asia, North America, and Europe.
In addition to passengers, the service also plays a crucial role in transporting cargo between the lower South Island and Auckland. One notable product carried is lobster, with approximately 250 tonnes transported north from Queenstown each year since August 2013.
Air NZ has also been a pioneer in adopting RNP flight procedures into Queenstown, significantly improving the airport’s reliability.
To celebrate this milestone, Air New Zealand is treating passengers flying between Queenstown and Auckland today with extra Cookie Time treats and select flights will also receive complimentary adventure activities in both cities.
