Air New Zealand celebrates 30 years flying direct between Auckland and Queenstown

Thirty years ago today, Air New Zealand launched daily direct flights between Auckland and Queenstown.

In the past decade alone, the airline has carried over seven million customers between the two destinations and this coming summer will operate up to 116 return services a week, increasing to 156 over the Christmas period.

Air New Zealand General Manager Domestic Scott Carr, who has been with the airline for 35 years, says he remembers those first few years of flying between Auckland and Queenstown well.

“I was based in Christchurch when we launched the direct Auckland to Queenstown service and I remember what a milestone moment it was.

It’s not just a popular route for customers. The service also provides an important cargo link between the lower South Island and the international flight hub, Auckland.