New Delhi: On Wednesday, Air New Zealand and Air India, both members of Star Alliance, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing air connectivity between India and New Zealand.
The agreement was signed during an event in Mumbai, attended by New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, along with other notable guests.
This MoU establishes a new codeshare partnership covering 16 routes that connect India with Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, providing travelers with greater options and easier access between the two nations.
Passengers can now fly from Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai with Air India, and then connect to Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore.
The codeshare initiative is designed to enhance the visibility of both countries as attractive tourism destinations.
Additionally, the MoU outlines plans for Air New Zealand and Air India to investigate the possibility of launching a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, contingent upon the delivery of new aircraft and the necessary approvals from relevant government authorities.
Greg Foran, Chief Executive of Air New Zealand, underscored the strategic importance of India as a key future destination, noting its rapidly growing tourism sector and rising travel demand.
Air New Zealand's Chief Executive, Greg Foran, stated that India is a vital growth market for the airline, expressing enthusiasm about the potential to improve travel connectivity between the two nations. He emphasized that the newly established codeshare agreement is a significant initial step, providing customers with more choices as they explore the feasibility of a direct service in the future.
Foran further highlighted the importance of the Indian market to New Zealand, noting its impact on tourism as well as the enhancement of business and educational relationships. He affirmed their dedication to collaborating in order to expand the travel market in the coming years, laying a solid groundwork for a successful direct service by 2028.
Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, remarked that as part of Air India's ongoing transformation, the airline has been broadening its global network through both its own aircraft and new or expanded codeshare agreements with various airlines, particularly its Star Alliance partners.
Wilson expressed excitement about strengthening the partnership with Air New Zealand, which follows recent expansions of codeshare agreements with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. He noted that this collaboration will not only enhance their market presence and streamline customer travel but also facilitate the development of traffic, paving the way for a potential non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which both airlines are committed to exploring with the relevant authorities.
As India continues to grow as a key destination for tourism and business, this partnership underscores the airlines' commitment to providing improved travel experiences while fostering trade, tourism, and economic development.
At present, Air New Zealand customers flying between New Zealand and India enjoy excellent connectivity through Singapore Airlines, which facilitates seamless transit in Singapore. The introduction of a direct route in the future would further enhance the ties between the two nations, offering more efficient and accessible travel options.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) also highlights Tourism New Zealand's dedication to increasing inbound tourism from India. Research conducted by Tourism New Zealand indicates that 18 million individuals in New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai are actively considering a trip to New Zealand, positioning it as a vital emerging market. Last year, over 80,000 international visitors arrived from India, reflecting a 23 percent increase compared to 2019.
The long-term growth prospects are substantial, with India identified as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Indian tourists are eager to discover New Zealand's stunning landscapes, iconic film locations, and rich cultural experiences.
The codeshare flights will be made available for booking in stages, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
