Sichuan Airlines will resume non-stop flights between Chengdu and Auckland starting December 7, following a seven-month suspension of the route earlier this year. The service will operate twice weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with departures from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursdays and Sundays at 01:30 under flight number 3U 3811. The return flights from Auckland International Airport are scheduled for the same days at 22:00 as flight 3U 3812.
The airline had previously operated this route once per week before suspending it in April. The resumed service is expected to bring more than 22,000 passengers to New Zealand annually and contribute an estimated $75 million (NZ$130 million) in tourism spending each year. Additionally, cargo capacity provided by the flights is forecasted to add another $87 million (NZ$150 million) in value to New Zealand's imports and exports.
New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, commented on the importance of the resumed connection: "This new service will strengthen airline connectivity for both tourism and business between New Zealand and China," she said. "Improved aviation connectivity is an important part of our tourism growth roadmap."
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