Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) Air New Zealand is set to resume direct flights between Auckland and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in November, the carrier announced Thursday.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon was quoted in a statement as saying that New Zealand is already a popular destination for visitors from this region and that the reinstated direct route will encourage even more tourist activity.
"Air New Zealand's new service is significantly quicker and more convenient than current indirect options. New Zealand already welcomes around 36,000 visitors a year from the Taiwan market and we're confident a direct link will grow numbers further," the statement said.
"Providing a non-stop service to Taipei will also enable more Kiwis to explore this destination," it added.
Currently there are no direct flights between Taiwan and New Zealand, although the carrier used to offer the flights from 1991-2005.
The 11-hour flight will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, according to the statement.
There will be up to five flights per week, subject to government and regulatory approval.
According to Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, a total of 14,639 New Zealand passport holders visited Taiwan in 2017.
