Air New Zealand will begin flying one of its 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft between Christchurch and Auckland three times a week to help transport cargo from the South Island to the rest of the world, the airline has announced.
The airline says it has recorded a significant increase in demand from South Island freight forwarding companies and exporters.
Air NZ is operating the flights as part of an agreement with the Ministry of Transport.
It will fly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Christchurch at 5pm and arriving in Auckland at 6:25pm, just in time to connect to late night flights to destinations in Asia and North America.
"Flights are timed so cargo goods are able to connect to our new Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Narita and Shanghai cargo flights, as well as onto our trans-Tasman flights from Auckland" said Air NZ General Manager of Cargo, Rick Nelson.
"As the nation emerges from lockdown, it's critical our exporters in the South Island are well supported in order for them to remain viable."
Passengers will also be able to book flights on the Dreamliner service.
