Air New Zealand beefs up China services

Air New Zealand is increasing its international capacity to China and Japan for its upcoming northern winter schedule.

International capacity growth for the period November 2011 - March 2012 on the airline's China routes will be up by 21.6 percent, with increased frequency to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Capacity on the Auckland - Beijing route will see a third year-round Boeing 777-200 service from early December.

The airline's Auckland - Shanghai route will have a capacity increase of 22.7 percent, with the addition of a fourth Boeing 777-200 service operating between December and March.

Strong demand for the overnight service from Auckland to Hong Kong will see increased capacity with a Boeing 777-200 operating daily services from November to mid-December, increasing to nine services per week from mid-December.

Air New Zealand is continuing with its plans to introduce a Boeing 747-400 on its Japan routes between December and February, increasing Auckland - Tokyo capacity by 16 percent.

The airline will also restore Auckland-Osaka capacity that was reduced earlier this year.