Air New Zealand today announced it will commence non-stop flights to Shanghai on 6 November 2006, with tickets now on sale. This is a major step forward in our service on this new and exciting route, said Ed Sims, Group General Manager International Airline.

Air New Zealand will be the only airline flying non-stop from Auckland to mainland Chinas fastest growing and most affluent commercial hub.

Air New Zealand will fly three times a week to Shanghai on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays using its brand new 313 seat Boeing 777 aircraft, which are fitted with the airlines new Business Premier, Pacific Premium Economy and Pacific Economy cabins, all featuring its on demand in flight digital entertainment system.

Flights will depart at 2359 from Auckland for the 11 hour 46 minute non-stop flight to Shanghais ultra modern Pudong airport. From there customers can catch the futuristic German built Maglev train straight into the city reaching an astonishing speed of 431kmh.

Positioned on the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai is Chinas most populous and sophisticated city. Tourist experiences available range from shopping in world class sophisticated boutiques through to lively, bustling street markets. The city retains much of its greenery and architectural features from its French and British colonial past, along with serene, ancient Chinese gardens.

The latest bars, clubs and restaurants also offer nightlife that rivals Paris or New York, while the towering Shanghai skyline gives a futuristic architectural glimpse of where this rapidly growing city is headed.

The new Shanghai service doesnt just establish a highly sought after new destination on Air New Zealands network, said Mr Sims. It also offers another routing alternative to China complimenting our existing services via Hong Kong, Tokyo, Osaka and Singapore. Onward travel to 8 European destinations will be possible, with more to be added in future.
Mr Sims said recent announcements by Shanghai Airlines and Air China that they were joining the Star Alliance also offered exciting possibilities for future interconnections for onward travel further into China.

In addition to existing in-flight selections on its new Shanghai service, Air New Zealand will be offering Mandarin speaking flight attendants, Chinese influenced cuisine, lounge based dining for Business Premier passengers and selected on-demand Chinese in-flight entertainment to ensure customers from China feel at home the instant they board their Air New Zealand flight.
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