19 June 2006
Air New Zealand announces dates, prices and times for first Shanghai flight
Air New Zealand today announced it will commence non-stop flights to Shanghai on 6 November 2006, with tickets now on
sale.
"This is a major step forward in our service on this new and exciting route," said Ed Sims, Group General Manager
International Airline. "Air New Zealand will be the only airline flying non-stop from Auckland to mainland China's
fastest growing and most affluent commercial hub."
Air New Zealand will fly three times a week to Shanghai on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays using its brand new 313 seat
Boeing 777 aircraft, which are fitted with the airline's new Business Premier, Pacific Premium Economy and Pacific
Economy cabins, all featuring it's on demand in flight digital entertainment system.
Flights will depart at 2359 from Auckland for the 11 hour 46 minute non-stop flight to Shanghai's ultra modern Pudong
airport. From there customers can catch the futuristic German built Maglev train straight into the city reaching an
astonishing speed of 431kmh.
Positioned on the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai is China's most populous and sophisticated city. Tourist experiences
available range from shopping in world class sophisticated boutiques through to lively, bustling street markets. The
city retains much of its greenery and architectural features from its French and British colonial past, along with
serene, ancient Chinese gardens.
The latest bars, clubs and restaurants also offer nightlife that rivals Paris or New York, while the towering Shanghai
skyline gives a futuristic architectural glimpse of where this rapidly growing city is headed.
"The new Shanghai service doesn't just establish a highly sought after new destination on Air New Zealand's network,"
said Mr Sims. "It also offers another routing alternative to China complimenting our existing services via Hong Kong,
Tokyo, Osaka and Singapore. Onward travel to 8 European destinations will be possible, with more to be added in future."
Mr Sims said recent announcements by Shanghai Airlines and Air China that they were joining the Star Alliance also
offered exciting possibilities for future interconnections for onward travel further into China. In addition to existing
in-flight selections on its new Shanghai service, Air New Zealand will be offering Mandarin speaking flight attendants,
Chinese influenced cuisine, lounge based dining for Business Premier passengers and selected on-demand Chinese in-flight
entertainment to ensure customers from China feel at home the instant they board their Air New Zealand flight.
Timings and prices of fares to Shanghai now on sale are as follows:
NZ89 AKL/PVG Mon/Thu/Sat departs 2359 arrives 0745 next day
1. Launch Special Economy Airfare (for sale from 19 June until 10 July 2006) ex Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
Internet Fare: Shanghai non-stop from $1416 plus AKL Airport charge $25 Travel Period: Commenced between 6 Nov
2006 and 31 Mar 2007 except where closeouts apply Closeouts: Inbound/outbound travel not permitted 15 Dec 2006 - 15
Jan 2007 or 18-28 Feb 2007 Booking Class: NZ - T class / Other airlines - refer to fare sheet
2. Long Term Shanghai non-stop Airfares New Shanghai airfares have been released specifically for travel on the
non-stop services. i.e. - Global Saver Pacific Economy fares from $1949 return. - Global Flexi Pacific Economy fares
from $2159 return. - Global Saver Pacific Premium Economy fares from $2629 return. - Global Flexi Pacific Premium
Economy fares from $2909 return. - Business Premier fares from $5749 return.
ENDS