Guangzhou-based China Southern will begin flying to Christchurch, and to Rome (via Wuhan), starting from December 16.
It will also increase frequencies to Australia starting from October 25.
The three times weekly European service will depart Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2130, arriving Wuhan Tianhe International Airport at 1120, taking off again at 0045 the following day and reaching Leonardo de Vinci International Airport at 0615 at local time. The return leg will leave Italy at 1235, landing in Wuhan at 0625+1, departing again at 0750 before a 0940 touch down in Guangzhou.
The New Zealand service will also be operating three times a week. The service will depart Guangzhou on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 0050 and arriving at Christchurch International Airport at 1710. The return service will leave at 2230 and land in China at 0530 the following day.
Both routes will be operated by the 228-seat B787, which consists of four first, 24 business and 200 economy seats.
The carrier also decided to up frequencies on its Pacific services gradually starting from October 25.
Sydney will be served three times daily, up from twice a day. The additional service will be operated by an A330-300. It will depart Guangzhou at 1820, arriving Sydney at 0645+1, leaving again at 0815 and touching down in China at 1500.
The Melbourne route will go up from 14 to 18 flights weekly. The additional service will be operated by an A330-300, departing Guangzhou on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 1805, arriving Melbourne at 0640+1, leaving again at 1130 and touching down in China at 1810.
Brisbane service will be changed from five times a week to daily; Perth service will be operated by a Dreamliner; and Auckland service will be increased from 10 to 14 flights a week.
For more information, visit csair.com/en
Valerian Ho
