Air New Zealand is introducing three new weekly flights between Perth and Auckland timed to connect West Australian travellers to the airline's USA, Canada and Argentina flights.

The new daytime flights will initially operate from 11 December 2015 to 1 May 2016 enabling customers to make easy one-stop journeys to popular destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver as well as Air New Zealand's exciting new destinations of Houston and Buenos Aires launching in December.

Air New Zealand currently operates a daily 787-9 service between Perth and Auckland, the additional daytime services will be operated by 767-300 aircraft and increase the frequency to 10 times per week.

Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace says the extra flights will be a great option for even more West Australians to connect seamlessly to North and South America without having to make an extra stop on the Australian east coast on the way through.

"We know travellers prefer to get to their destinations as quickly, comfortably and seamlessly as possible and we're pleased to be able to time these extra services specifically to suit the West Australian market," Mr Wallace says.

"The new services will also mean a boost for the New Zealand tourism industry as we see the popularity of our nation continue to grow in the Australian market. There's no doubt a lot of West Australians will take advantage of this extra capacity and some hot deals to experience New Zealand."

Air New Zealand will continue to operate twice weekly seasonal Perth - Christchurch services. All Perth flights are operated by Air New Zealand in partnership with Virgin Australia under the trans-Tasman alliance between the two airlines.

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Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 21 747 320

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