Tourism New Zealand today welcomed the news of Air New Zealand's
new partnership in Japan with ANA (All Nippon Airways).
The partnership makes New Zealand the first Australasian and
South Pacific destination on the ANA network. It will provide
travellers on both airlines with improved access to destinations in
Japan and New Zealand.
Tourism New Zealand's General Manager Asia Markets, Mark Frood
says the announcement is an exciting development for New Zealand
tourism that provides fresh, long term energy for the Japan
market.
"ANA is part of the Star Alliance and has an extensive domestic
network in Japan. This partnership will introduce key Star Alliance
connections that to date, have been missing and will enable
convenient one-stop access to New Zealand from up to 48 cities
across Japan," he says.
The partnership will also open up Japan as a corridor for
European and other Asian markets travelling to New Zealander as
well as those Kiwis travelling north.
As a result of the partnership, Air New Zealand will move its
Narita airport base to Terminal 1 South, placing it alongside other
Star Alliance carriers. The move gives customers the convenience of
smooth transit to connecting flights operated by ANA and other Star
Alliance partners.
Air New Zealand has also secured its NZ code on up to five
domestic Japan routes, a first for a New Zealand airline.
Mark says; "ANA is now looking at how it can promote New Zealand
as a leisure destination within the Japanese market.
"As one of Asia's largest airlines, this is really positive news
for New Zealand but also for travellers. The Star Alliance network
enables greater reach and effectiveness of marketing campaigns and
more convenient, seamless booking and travel to New Zealand for
travellers out of Japan.
The pending code share arrangement is subject to government
approval but is due to commence in March 2012, in time for the
northern summer season.
For more information about the Japan market see the Market and Stats pages.