Air New Zealand increases Queenstown winter flights

Air New Zealand is preparing for yet another big snow season in New Zealand's South Island, announcing today a second weekly Sydney - Queenstown flight and a weekly Brisbane - Queenstown flight to meet strong demand during winter.

The airline already operates a year-round Boeing 737-300 service from Sydney to Queenstown every Saturday, departing at 9.35am and arriving at 2.45pm - a journey of just three hours, 10 minutes.

From 15 July until 16 September, Air New Zealand will also introduce a Tuesday flight from Sydney to Queenstown, to meet peak season demand. It will follow the same schedule as the Saturday service.

And from 12 July to 20 September, the airline also will reinstate the popular Brisbane - Queenstown winter service, departing at 8.15am every Saturday and arriving in Queenstown at 1.50pm - a flight of three hours and 35 minutes.

All of the extra Trans Tasman flights will be operated with Boeing 737-300 jets, configured to seat 114 passengers in a two class cabin - 12 in Business Class  and 102 in Pacific Class. These aircraft are configured to full international standard, and feature inflight audio and video entertainment.

"Queenstown is New Zealand's most popular holiday location, and continues to attract an increasing number of Australian visitors," said Mr Paul Donovan,  Vice President Australia for Air New Zealand.

"Sydney is always a major source of visitors for Queenstown, hence our decision to operate a year-round flight, and to add a second weekly flight during the winter," said Mr Donovan.

"And while South East Queensland and Northern NSW are better known for  their surf than their snow, they are home to a large number of skiers and snowboarders, who head for Queenstown every winter."

Queenstown is not only the gateway to the magnificent Coronet Peak and Remarkables skifields - it is also the home of a vast range of other attractions,  from thrilling jetboat rides and adventure activities to wine trails, fine dining, lake cruising or just the easy art of sightseeing.

As well as additional trans Tasman flights, Air New Zealand is increasing capacity in New Zealand, with new flights between Wellington and Queenstown.

Additional flights will be operated by regional subsidiary Air New Zealand Link, using quiet and comfortable 66-seat ATR 72-500 aircraft.