Victorians are set to have a new option to cross the ditch with China Airlines announcing flights between Melbourne Airport and Auckland.
The flights, which will commence in December, will add more than 3000 seats a week to the route and take capacity in the Auckland market back to 100 per cent of pre pandemic levels.
Melbourne Airport aviation chief Jim Parashos said the addition of these flights was just in time for the busy summer holiday period.
“The launch of this new service will coincide with the start of the December school holidays meaning hundreds more seats are available just when families need them most,” he said.
“Having a fourth airline on this important route is fantastic news for travellers because of the extra choice it offers in both product and schedule.”
Mr Parashos said it would also drive down prices.
“Additional services and increased competition are critical during a time when we’re seeing softening passenger numbers amid cost-of-living challenges and still-high airfares,” he said.