Auckland Airport : Singapore Airlines celebrates 40 years in Auckland

The month of May saw Singapore Airlines proudly commemorate 40 years of service to Auckland.

The milestone was celebrated with a ceremony at Auckland Airport attended by Norris Carter - Auckland Airport's general manager of aeronautical commercial, and Simon Turcotte - Singapore Airlines' general manager of New Zealand.

Mr Turcotte says the service has made a significant contribution to inbound and outbound tourism.

'When we first began, Auckland was linked to a Singapore - Sydney flight. Today we operate twice daily, direct services together with our alliance partner, Air New Zealand.'

'In 1976 just 30,000 New Zealanders visited Singapore, while in 2015 more than 125,000 ventured to the city island, an increase of more than 400 per cent. Similarly New Zealand's inbound tourism has grown from just over 380,000 a year to more than 3.1 million people in 2015.'

'We are incredibly proud to have helped bring the world to New Zealand as well as taking New Zealanders to Singapore and the world.'

'It has been an honour to provide New Zealanders with our award winning service for the past 40 years. It has been made possible with the support of Auckland Airport since that first flight in 1976. We have a great partnership with the airport, one we're keen to continue for many decades to come.'

Mr Carter says, 'Auckland Airport congratulates Singapore Airlines on its 40 years of flying to Auckland. During that time the airline, with its industry leading reputation for service, has brought many visitors to New Zealand and taken many Kiwis to Asia and Europe.'

'We look forward to welcoming Singapore Airlines' passengers and working with their crew and ground staff, for the next 40 years and beyond.'