Singapore Airlines has welcomed the New Zealand minister of transport’s approval of its proposed alliance with Air New Zealand.

The clearance represents the New Zealand regulatory approval needed for Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand to proceed with the alliance, which was announced on January 16th.

The alliance will lead to increased flight frequency between Singapore and New Zealand and provide other consumer benefits, such as improved connections through reciprocal codeshare ties.

The Competition Commission of Singapore had earlier given its approval.

As part of the alliance, Air New Zealand will fly the Auckland-Singapore route again and Singapore Airlines will operate the world’s largest aircraft, the Airbus A380, to New Zealand for the first time.

The Star Alliance partner airlines will announce operational dates for alliance services shortly.