CHINA SOUTHERN TO START FLIGHTS TO AUCKLAND

China Southern Airlines has confirmed it will start flights to Auckland from Guangzhou via Melbourne in April 2011. The Chinese airline has also recently started a service to New Zealand via Brisbane. Rival China Airlines is also starting flights to Auckland International Airport from January. Chief executive Simon Mouter said it was important to have a brand on the route that was known to Chinese travellers: “A market like China ought to support at least two carriers.” China Southern will use an A330-300 aircraft on the route.