A special ceremony welcoming the restart of direct flights between Beijing and Auckland was held as the first Air China aircraft since Covid landed at the Auckland International Airport on May 2. Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong and representatives from Air China, Auckland International Airport and Tourism New Zealand were present at the ceremony.

Photo by Vicky Lu

Ambassador Wang extended warm congratulations to Air China and the Auckland International Airport. Practical cooperation serves as a vital pillar for sound and steady development of China-New Zealand relationship, said the Ambassador, adding that two sides have maintained robust momentum in economic relations as well as people-to-people exchanges in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic. The return of Air China’s first flight carrying over 200 Chinese tourists indicates a promising future for bilateral practical cooperation, he said.

Photo by Vicky Lu

Scott Tasker, Chief Customer Officer of Auckland International Airport, said the people-to-people exchanges and trade are important components of New Zealand-China relations, and the resumption of Air China's Beijing-Auckland service will bring not only more tourists, but also more high-value business opportunities.