China Southern Airlines, Asia’s largest carrier, has resumed its direct service between Christchurch and Guangzhou, marking a significant boost for both travellers and the regional economy.

To meet the high demand, the airline is adding additional flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, complementing the five weekly services that operated last season. The approximately 12-hour flight is serviced by China Southern’s cutting-edge Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Since launching the direct route in 2016, China Southern has flown nearly 400,000 passengers between Guangzhou and Christchurch over the past eight years.