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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Christchurch Airport new station for shuttle bus
Christchurch Airport has launched a transport hub at the airport for regional and long-distance bus travellers. Regional bus and shuttle services now connecting to the airport include Newmans Coachlines and GreatSights, which presently have routes from Christchurch to Queenstown.
“This is great news for all travellers, as it means you can take a bus service straight to the airport to connect with a flight or with another bus route in the South Island or to meet friends and family in Christchurch,” said Matthew Day.
The existing shuttle and bus services from Christchurch Airport include Knight Rider, the West Coast shuttle, and Budget Shuttles.
Future routes from Christchurch Airport to Dunedin and Picton, and all points in between, are also under consideration. Tickets can be booked through the Travel & Tourism Centres at Christchurch Airport: ph 0800 LOVE NZ (0800 568 369).
The Intercity Group which operates the Newmans and GreatSights services is delighted with the development. “This makes travel for our passengers simpler and clearer,” said Sam Peate, General Manager InterCity Group Coaching. “Christchurch Airport is already a transport hub well-serviced by buses, shuttles and taxis, and with good carparking options, so this is a natural fit.”
Matthew Day points out that the new airport terminal has fantastic passenger facilities for use by all travellers, not just people booked on flights. “It’s warm and comfortable, it has lots of seating, pure artesian water, free showers, a fabulous food court and retail shops, as well as travel booking services,” he said.
The airport company began discussions with other transport providers following the earthquakes, when it became clear that there was no longer a central point in the city where travellers could be collected and dropped off. Coupled with traffic problems due to the closure of the CBD, it became clear that the airport could offer a solution.
“This is great news for all travellers, as it means you can take a bus service straight to the airport to connect with a flight or with another bus route in the South Island or to meet friends and family in Christchurch,” said Matthew Day.
The existing shuttle and bus services from Christchurch Airport include Knight Rider, the West Coast shuttle, and Budget Shuttles.
Future routes from Christchurch Airport to Dunedin and Picton, and all points in between, are also under consideration. Tickets can be booked through the Travel & Tourism Centres at Christchurch Airport: ph 0800 LOVE NZ (0800 568 369).
The Intercity Group which operates the Newmans and GreatSights services is delighted with the development. “This makes travel for our passengers simpler and clearer,” said Sam Peate, General Manager InterCity Group Coaching. “Christchurch Airport is already a transport hub well-serviced by buses, shuttles and taxis, and with good carparking options, so this is a natural fit.”
Matthew Day points out that the new airport terminal has fantastic passenger facilities for use by all travellers, not just people booked on flights. “It’s warm and comfortable, it has lots of seating, pure artesian water, free showers, a fabulous food court and retail shops, as well as travel booking services,” he said.
The airport company began discussions with other transport providers following the earthquakes, when it became clear that there was no longer a central point in the city where travellers could be collected and dropped off. Coupled with traffic problems due to the closure of the CBD, it became clear that the airport could offer a solution.
Singapore Airlines daily flights to CHC
Singapore Airlines increased its flight to Christchurch airport from five services per week to seven for the New Zealand winter (Northern Summer) schedule, commencing 30 March 2011.
Jim Boult, CIAL’s Chief Executive, welcomed the announcement. “This is fantastic news not only for the additional 30,000 passengers who will be able to travel in and out of Christchurch over the six month winter period, but also as it confirms a regular daily service throughout the year.”
The additional flights mean that Christchurch will be served daily on a year-round basis, increasing the number of seats for tourists and giving South Island travellers better flight options, as well as providing more cargo capacity and frequency for exporters.
James Lim, General Manager New Zealand for Singapore Airlines, says that an increase in passenger demand means that the airline is now able to permanently increase its presence in Christchurch. “Singapore Airlines is excited to be offering the South Island daily flights in response to increased demand. The introduction of daily flights is testament to the popularity of the route and Singapore Airlines’ commitment to providing greater flexibility, convenience and choice when travelling between Christchurch and Singapore. We are particularly pleased to be giving tourists all year round direct access to the beautiful South Island on a daily basis.”
Jim Boult, CIAL’s Chief Executive, welcomed the announcement. “This is fantastic news not only for the additional 30,000 passengers who will be able to travel in and out of Christchurch over the six month winter period, but also as it confirms a regular daily service throughout the year.”
The additional flights mean that Christchurch will be served daily on a year-round basis, increasing the number of seats for tourists and giving South Island travellers better flight options, as well as providing more cargo capacity and frequency for exporters.
James Lim, General Manager New Zealand for Singapore Airlines, says that an increase in passenger demand means that the airline is now able to permanently increase its presence in Christchurch. “Singapore Airlines is excited to be offering the South Island daily flights in response to increased demand. The introduction of daily flights is testament to the popularity of the route and Singapore Airlines’ commitment to providing greater flexibility, convenience and choice when travelling between Christchurch and Singapore. We are particularly pleased to be giving tourists all year round direct access to the beautiful South Island on a daily basis.”
charter flight between Christchurch and Wanaka
Winter tourism will get a boost from a new charter flight service to Wanaka from Christchurch.
The charter company flyDirect will offer morning and afternoon flights between Christchurch and Wanaka on a 35-seat Dash 8 aircraft. As part of the Ski Wanaka package deal, people will also receive accommodation in Wanaka plus optional car hire, and Wanaka ski passes and activities. “An entry level package of flights and 2 nights accommodation is only $289,” said flyDirect’s CEO Jef Kay. “We’re excited about what we’re offering the market, because it’s great value for a ski holiday in a stunning place.”
“This is great news for the ski season,” said Christchurch Airport General Manager Marketing and Business Development Gareth Owen. “It gives Cantabrians and Australian visitors another option direct into Wanaka through Christchurch Airport, rather than needing to fly to Queenstown and then drive to Wanaka. We’re committed to growing ski tourism within the South Island, and this additional capacity reaffirms Christchurch as New Zealand’s ski and tourism gateway.”
Lake Wanaka Tourism General Manager James Helmore said the new flight service was “fantastic”, and a great boost for the local tourism industry. “Last winter Lake Wanaka enjoyed a record season in terms of visitor numbers and the introduction of flyDirect’s flight/ski packages will help us to continue to grow the domestic market by making it even easier for visitors to get here,” he said. “We have four ski areas and the largest amount of skiable terrain in New Zealand, plus the largest heliski area outside of North America, so the flyDirect package initiative suits the destination perfectly.”
The charter company flyDirect will offer morning and afternoon flights between Christchurch and Wanaka on a 35-seat Dash 8 aircraft. As part of the Ski Wanaka package deal, people will also receive accommodation in Wanaka plus optional car hire, and Wanaka ski passes and activities. “An entry level package of flights and 2 nights accommodation is only $289,” said flyDirect’s CEO Jef Kay. “We’re excited about what we’re offering the market, because it’s great value for a ski holiday in a stunning place.”
“This is great news for the ski season,” said Christchurch Airport General Manager Marketing and Business Development Gareth Owen. “It gives Cantabrians and Australian visitors another option direct into Wanaka through Christchurch Airport, rather than needing to fly to Queenstown and then drive to Wanaka. We’re committed to growing ski tourism within the South Island, and this additional capacity reaffirms Christchurch as New Zealand’s ski and tourism gateway.”
Lake Wanaka Tourism General Manager James Helmore said the new flight service was “fantastic”, and a great boost for the local tourism industry. “Last winter Lake Wanaka enjoyed a record season in terms of visitor numbers and the introduction of flyDirect’s flight/ski packages will help us to continue to grow the domestic market by making it even easier for visitors to get here,” he said. “We have four ski areas and the largest amount of skiable terrain in New Zealand, plus the largest heliski area outside of North America, so the flyDirect package initiative suits the destination perfectly.”
Travelex foreign exchange at Christchurch airport
Travelex has been awarded foreign exchange and banking services at Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL).
Travelex is the foreign exchange specialists, provide foreign currency, cash
passport card, money transfers
“We are pleased to announce that Travelex will be the new operator effective 1 July 2010,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “Travelex has significant experience with foreign exchange at other airports around the world, so we look forward to a successful partnership.”
There will be four Travelex sites at the airport, which will be progressively relocated as different stages of the new terminal construction project are completed.
“We are focused on improving our service and the range of our offerings to passengers,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “The transition to new operators for foreign exchange and duty free has happened smoothly and their new stores are operating well. And we know that passengers welcome the end of the departure charge.
“Over the next year, more and more aspects of the new terminal complex will be opened and we are confident that passengers will be pleased at the increase in standards,” said Jim Boult.
Travelex is the foreign exchange specialists, provide foreign currency, cash
passport card, money transfers
“We are pleased to announce that Travelex will be the new operator effective 1 July 2010,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “Travelex has significant experience with foreign exchange at other airports around the world, so we look forward to a successful partnership.”
There will be four Travelex sites at the airport, which will be progressively relocated as different stages of the new terminal construction project are completed.
“We are focused on improving our service and the range of our offerings to passengers,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “The transition to new operators for foreign exchange and duty free has happened smoothly and their new stores are operating well. And we know that passengers welcome the end of the departure charge.
“Over the next year, more and more aspects of the new terminal complex will be opened and we are confident that passengers will be pleased at the increase in standards,” said Jim Boult.
passengers increase from India to Christchurch Airport
Over the past 12 months, Christchurch Airport has seen a 45% increase in passengers on flights from India to Christchurch.
“Christchurch Airport is the gateway for 92% of all tourists to the South Island, and we are committed to working with airlines and tourism organisations to further build this market,” said Gareth Owen.
“Christchurch Airport has been involved in joint venture marketing and promotion campaigns with Tourism New Zealand for the last few years, and this result is undoubtedly due to the success of these campaigns,” said CIAL General Manager Marketing and Business Development, Gareth Owen.
In the most recent campaign, CIAL partnered with Tourism New Zealand and Singapore Airlines to implement an online campaign in India during July which encourages travel to and around the South Island this spring. The campaign targets the lucrative honeymoon market and takes its theme from the latest (and most popular) Bollywood movie, “I Hate Luv Storys”, which was partly filmed in Queenstown in January this year. The film is expected to be seen by 150 million people. "This was a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand to increase exposure in this developing market," commented Kevin Bowler, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand.
The online campaign was complemented by a special promotion from Singapore Airlines where they gave away two economy class fares to Christchurch. The promotion was advertised in various ways, including spot ads on MSN, Hotmail, Yahoo India, NDTV, Facebook India and Google, as well as an optimised Google keyword search.
“Christchurch Airport is the gateway for 92% of all tourists to the South Island, and we are committed to working with airlines and tourism organisations to further build this market,” said Gareth Owen.
“Christchurch Airport has been involved in joint venture marketing and promotion campaigns with Tourism New Zealand for the last few years, and this result is undoubtedly due to the success of these campaigns,” said CIAL General Manager Marketing and Business Development, Gareth Owen.
In the most recent campaign, CIAL partnered with Tourism New Zealand and Singapore Airlines to implement an online campaign in India during July which encourages travel to and around the South Island this spring. The campaign targets the lucrative honeymoon market and takes its theme from the latest (and most popular) Bollywood movie, “I Hate Luv Storys”, which was partly filmed in Queenstown in January this year. The film is expected to be seen by 150 million people. "This was a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand to increase exposure in this developing market," commented Kevin Bowler, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand.
The online campaign was complemented by a special promotion from Singapore Airlines where they gave away two economy class fares to Christchurch. The promotion was advertised in various ways, including spot ads on MSN, Hotmail, Yahoo India, NDTV, Facebook India and Google, as well as an optimised Google keyword search.
New ways to attract tourists to Christchurch
Christchurch International Airport CHC is working with the tourism industry to develop a new strategy to ensure tourists continue to fly in and out of Christchurch Airport to travel in the South Island.
A team from Christchurch Airport, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism, and Tourism New Zealand met to discuss ways to reassure travellers that New Zealand is still a great place to visit.
“We have always been the major gateway for international travellers to come to the South Island and we still intend to be,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “Tourists spend $4.3 billion a year in the South Island, so keeping this industry alive and thriving is vital to the renewal of Christchurch and the well-being of the South Island economy.”
“A large percentage of hotel rooms in Christchurch are unavailable because they are damaged or are in the CBD,” explained Jim Boult. “So one of the key issues is how to move people quickly and easily from the airport to remaining accommodation both within and outside Christchurch.”
He went on to say that there is still some accommodation in Christchurch as most motels have continued operating. “There are approximately 1900 motel rooms in Christchurch, mostly in the suburbs. Ninety five percent of the motels in Christchurch are operational. At the moment, these are full with emergency response personnel, but they will gradually become available for travellers in the near future.”
Christchurch Airport is arranging a meeting next week of all Regional Tourism offices and airlines involved in the South Island to address the issue of maintaining a strong tourism industry.
A team from Christchurch Airport, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism, and Tourism New Zealand met to discuss ways to reassure travellers that New Zealand is still a great place to visit.
“We have always been the major gateway for international travellers to come to the South Island and we still intend to be,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “Tourists spend $4.3 billion a year in the South Island, so keeping this industry alive and thriving is vital to the renewal of Christchurch and the well-being of the South Island economy.”
“A large percentage of hotel rooms in Christchurch are unavailable because they are damaged or are in the CBD,” explained Jim Boult. “So one of the key issues is how to move people quickly and easily from the airport to remaining accommodation both within and outside Christchurch.”
He went on to say that there is still some accommodation in Christchurch as most motels have continued operating. “There are approximately 1900 motel rooms in Christchurch, mostly in the suburbs. Ninety five percent of the motels in Christchurch are operational. At the moment, these are full with emergency response personnel, but they will gradually become available for travellers in the near future.”
Christchurch Airport is arranging a meeting next week of all Regional Tourism offices and airlines involved in the South Island to address the issue of maintaining a strong tourism industry.
airasia $99 fares Christchurch to Malaysia
AirAsia X offers flights between Christchurch and Kuala Lumpur commencing 1 April 2011. Tickets go on sale at www.airasia.com from midday December 3rd to December 5th or until fares are sold out, for flights from April 1st – November 2011.
The Malaysia-based carrier nnounced introductory $99 one-way direct flights from Christchurch to Malaysia which, when combined with its regular Kuala Lumpur to London or Paris fares, means Kiwis will be able to fly to Europe for around $1000 return. Promotional fares can be even lower.*
“Long haul air travel is now accessible to the average New Zealander,” says CEO Azran Osman-Rani. “Our average fares are always the lowest in the market.
Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch
08:55/00:10 (+1)
D7 2754
Friday
Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur
01:25/07:45
D7 2755
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
The airline launched services to the Gold Coast in 2007 and within the first 12 months demand grew by 46 per cent – 23 times faster than overall Queensland international market growth**. By opening up more international opportunities, feedback is that locals have adopted AirAsia X ‘as their own’. From an initial four flights a week, AirAsia X has increased its capacity to daily flights.
Analysis of AirAsia X’s impact since it launched in Australia three years ago indicates there will likely be a 35-53 per cent increase in New Zealanders travelling from Christchurch to Malaysia**. It’s expected that the airline will be popular with New Zealanders travelling to destinations such as Bali, and to Phuket and Krabi in Thailand.
The AirAsia X plane include some of the latest models from Airbus, including the A330-300 and A340 –300. AirAsia X has 10 Airbus aircraft with an order of 25.
AirAsia X flies to 13 other destinations in Australia, UK / Europe, China, Korea, India, Iran, Japan and Taiwan, while its affiliate – AirAsia – flies to all the ASEAN cities and destinations in South East Asia.
Wellington-based aviation consultant Gordon Bevan says this means New Zealanders will now be able to reach many destinations with fewer stops, and at prices that are typically 20-40 per cent cheaper than those offered by other airlines. “AirAsia offers a much wider, much broader network from Asia than our existing carriers. People will be able to ‘try things out’ because it’s so much cheaper – you can go lots of places from KL for NZ$50.”
For travellers wanting extra services, AirAsia X promotional premium fares – Christchurch to Malaysia – with flatbed seats will be $890 one-way.
“There is plenty of room in the market for AirAsia X to operate alongside the established providers such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand,” says Christchurch International Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult. “The AirAsia network is so extensive it’s going to introduce New Zealand to passengers that the existing airlines don’t tap into. AirAsia targets mostly high-growth markets whose populations are rapidly developing an appetite for travel.”
The Malaysia-based carrier nnounced introductory $99 one-way direct flights from Christchurch to Malaysia which, when combined with its regular Kuala Lumpur to London or Paris fares, means Kiwis will be able to fly to Europe for around $1000 return. Promotional fares can be even lower.*
“Long haul air travel is now accessible to the average New Zealander,” says CEO Azran Osman-Rani. “Our average fares are always the lowest in the market.
Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch
08:55/00:10 (+1)
D7 2754
Friday
Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur
01:25/07:45
D7 2755
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
The airline launched services to the Gold Coast in 2007 and within the first 12 months demand grew by 46 per cent – 23 times faster than overall Queensland international market growth**. By opening up more international opportunities, feedback is that locals have adopted AirAsia X ‘as their own’. From an initial four flights a week, AirAsia X has increased its capacity to daily flights.
Analysis of AirAsia X’s impact since it launched in Australia three years ago indicates there will likely be a 35-53 per cent increase in New Zealanders travelling from Christchurch to Malaysia**. It’s expected that the airline will be popular with New Zealanders travelling to destinations such as Bali, and to Phuket and Krabi in Thailand.
The AirAsia X plane include some of the latest models from Airbus, including the A330-300 and A340 –300. AirAsia X has 10 Airbus aircraft with an order of 25.
AirAsia X flies to 13 other destinations in Australia, UK / Europe, China, Korea, India, Iran, Japan and Taiwan, while its affiliate – AirAsia – flies to all the ASEAN cities and destinations in South East Asia.
Wellington-based aviation consultant Gordon Bevan says this means New Zealanders will now be able to reach many destinations with fewer stops, and at prices that are typically 20-40 per cent cheaper than those offered by other airlines. “AirAsia offers a much wider, much broader network from Asia than our existing carriers. People will be able to ‘try things out’ because it’s so much cheaper – you can go lots of places from KL for NZ$50.”
For travellers wanting extra services, AirAsia X promotional premium fares – Christchurch to Malaysia – with flatbed seats will be $890 one-way.
“There is plenty of room in the market for AirAsia X to operate alongside the established providers such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand,” says Christchurch International Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult. “The AirAsia network is so extensive it’s going to introduce New Zealand to passengers that the existing airlines don’t tap into. AirAsia targets mostly high-growth markets whose populations are rapidly developing an appetite for travel.”
Christchurch Airport offer Mobile Website
In a first for New Zealand airports, Christchurch Airport now offers a mobile website for travellers in order to give them a significantly better online experience when they use their mobile phones to access the airport’s website.
The mobile website (flychc.co.nz) offers a simplified homepage, a short news item and five easy options for commonly requested information, such as flight information, airport maps and parking information. There is also a back-up emergency homepage for situations such as the earthquakes, when all flights were cancelled. In the week of the February earthquake, thousands of people used their phones to check the Christchurch Airport website for flight information.
“As an increasing number of travellers are using their mobile devices to access our website, we wanted to give them the best experience,” said Christchurch Airport Marketing Manager Jade Reeves. “At the moment, ten percent of our website visitors are accessing the website from mobile devices, so we’re delivering people the information they want, how they want it.”
“Innovation is one of our brand values, so we intend to stay on top of the technology game,” said Jade Reeves. She noted that it’s predicted that by the end of 2011, more smartphones will be sold worldwide than PCs. Morgan Stanley forecast that in the next four years, more people will access the Internet from a mobile device than from a desktop.
The mobile website (flychc.co.nz) offers a simplified homepage, a short news item and five easy options for commonly requested information, such as flight information, airport maps and parking information. There is also a back-up emergency homepage for situations such as the earthquakes, when all flights were cancelled. In the week of the February earthquake, thousands of people used their phones to check the Christchurch Airport website for flight information.
“As an increasing number of travellers are using their mobile devices to access our website, we wanted to give them the best experience,” said Christchurch Airport Marketing Manager Jade Reeves. “At the moment, ten percent of our website visitors are accessing the website from mobile devices, so we’re delivering people the information they want, how they want it.”
“Innovation is one of our brand values, so we intend to stay on top of the technology game,” said Jade Reeves. She noted that it’s predicted that by the end of 2011, more smartphones will be sold worldwide than PCs. Morgan Stanley forecast that in the next four years, more people will access the Internet from a mobile device than from a desktop.
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