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Air New Zealand celebrates five years of direct flights between Invercargill and Auckland

Air New Zealand celebrates five years of direct flights between Invercargill and Auckland
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Alison Gerry Independent Non-Executive Director (Appointed 28 October 2021) | Air New Zealand

Customers flying between Invercargill and Auckland were treated to a unique experience as Air New Zealand celebrated five years of direct service on this route. The airline marked the occasion by serving cheese rolls, often referred to as 'Southland Sushi,' at an altitude of 30,000 feet.

The direct service first launched on August 25, 2019, experienced interruptions in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed operations in December 2021. It currently offers five return flights weekly.

Scott Carr, General Manager Domestic at Air New Zealand, highlighted the significance of this route within the airline's domestic network. "Over the past five years, we have operated more than 1600 flights between Auckland and Invercargill, welcoming more than 236,000 customers onboard," he stated. Carr also emphasized the route's importance for tourism and cargo transport. "The route is not only a staple for Southlanders but also serves as a gateway for visitors from the north to explore the wider Southland region and popular tourism areas such as Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Catlins."

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Chami Abeysinghe, Chief Executive of Great South Regional Economic Development Agency, noted the positive impact of this service on regional connectivity. "As our region progresses economic growth opportunities, our ability to get our high-value pastoral, seafood, and manufactured goods to our export markets in a timely manner remains critical," Abeysinghe remarked.

The Auckland-Invercargill flight covers a distance of 1183 kilometers with a flight time of two hours and five minutes. It holds the distinction of being New Zealand's longest domestic jet service.

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