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Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker (centre) holds a kauri guitar that was gifted to the owner of Air Asia X Tony Fernandes (second from left) by Christchurch Airport CEO Jim Boult (third from right). Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler is second from right, and Air Asia X Chief Executive Azran Osman-Rani is on the far right |
NEW ZEALAND. Low-cost carrier Air Asia X has finalised a deal to bring direct long-haul flights from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch, New Zealand.
A team including Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) CEO Jim Boult, CIAL General Manager Marketing and Business Development Gareth Owen, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Mayoress Joanna Nicholls-Parker, Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler and the New Zealand High Commissioner for Malaysia David Kersey met with the owner of Air Asia X Tony Fernandes and his executive team to sign a deal that will bring the airline to Christchurch.
“CIAL has been developing this opportunity over the past two years and is ecstatic that this service has now been approved,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult.
“It’s the fruition of an amazing group effort and the impact of the fabulous experiences available in the South Island. The fact that we had such a strong team, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch and the head of Tourism New Zealand, showed Air Asia X how committed we are to this partnership.”
“This is fantastic news for Christchurch, in terms of travel and tourism,” said Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.
“We are looking at up to 70,000 more visitors a year, bringing in an estimated NZ$70-80 million more to the region and creating hundreds of new jobs. Having this new airline truly positions Christchurch as New Zealand’s tourism hub.”
Air Asia X Chief Executive Azran Osman-Rani said: “Christchurch Airport put up a great business case for why we should come south. We were impressed with the potential and the quality of tourism experiences available in the South Island.”
Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler, who also attended the, meeting added: “It’s fantastic news for New Zealand, and particularly the South Island. We are seeing fantastic demand from all parts of Asia and this decision from Air Asia X couldn’t come at a better time.”
Based in Malaysia, Air Asia X and parent company Air Asia has a network of 130 routes covering 75 destinations.
CIAL General Manager Marketing and Business Development Gareth Owen explained that at the beginning of the year three Air Asia X executives came to New Zealand to investigate the market. “We took them on a whirlwind tour of the South Island that included classic experiences like white-water rafting, bungee-jumping, climbing glaciers at Mt Cook, and riding on the Shotover Jet,” he said.
“We were overwhelmed with support from regional tourism offices, tourism operators, local government and the whole CIAL team, ensuring every aspect of the visit went smoothly.”
“The additional Air Asia X flights also give Christchurch and South Island residents more travel opportunities to different parts of the world. We can expect many people to travel down from Auckland and Wellington to take advantage of these flights,” said Jim Boult.
“It’s a win-win scenario. The team at Christchurch Airport is committed to this partnership with Air Asia X, and we look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration.”
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