Emirates Airline last night hosted a gala dinner to celebrate its recent start of services to Christchurch, New Zealand - its 77th route - and the impending expansion of frequencies to this new destination.  The event was attended by more than 500 guests, including the Honourable Mark Burton, New Zealand’s Minister of Tourism.

Describing Christchurch as the South Island’s outdoor tourism and export gateway, Emirates Vice Chairman and Group President Maurice Flanagan said to guests: “The potential for growing the flow of tourism and trade here is tremendous. We will keep promoting Christchurch to help the South Island and New Zealand to reach their full potential as exciting destinations for world travellers.”

Emirates’ three-times-a-week service from Dubai to Christchurch via Melbourne started on 1 July, and will double to six times a week on 14 August.

“Together with thrice-daily flights out of Auckland, this means Emirates will soon offer our Kiwi customers 27 flights a week to Australia, Dubai and beyond,” said Mr. Flanagan. “All these flights also mean more access for the rest of the world to visit and do business in New Zealand.”

Mr. Flanagan noted that the gala function also marked the airline’s first anniversary of operations in New Zealand.

“We are thankful to the New Zealand Government and customers for their support of our airline, which has made possible Emirates’ rapid progress here in the past 12 months. We are committed to this market and to providing the best product and service to our customers.”
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