Air NZ-Singapore Air JV gets green light for another five years

Air New Zealand’s joint venture alliance with Singapore Airlines has been approved for another five years.

New Zealand’s ministry of transport agreed to extend authorisation until 2024, citing ongoing customer benefits.

“The services the airlines provide through the alliance strengthens New Zealand’s ties with our close neighbours in South East Asia and with other emerging markets throughout Asia” New Zealand transport minister Phil Twyford said.

The JV alliance was launched in 2014 and has resulted in greater choice and convenience, as well as significantly adding seat capacity on NZ-Singapore routes, the airlines said.

“Partnerships such as this have been key to successfully growing Air New Zealand’s international network and delivering important benefits to our customers,’ said Air NZ chief strategy, networks and alliances officer Paul Judd.

“Singapore Airlines has been a strong alliance partner and we are excited at the opportunities the re-authorisation provides.”

Since the alliance was formed, more seats have been added to the market including a new Wellington-Singapore service via Australia, and additional peak season services to Christchurch.

The airlines are adding a third daily service between Auckland and Singapore from October 28.

SIA’s SVP of market planning, Tan Kai Ping said: “The decision to re-authorise the alliance reinforces the benefits it has delivered to the New Zealand market in its first four years. We look forward to continue working closely with our alliance partner Air New Zealand to provide even more travel options.”

source: Travel Mole