AIR NEW ZEALAND (ANZ), plans to use up its remaining Australian fifth-freedom rights, by flying twice weekly between Australia and Shanghai. The carrier says that it will "probably" operate the services from Sydney, but has not ruled out using its Brisbane hub.
General manager sales and marketing international Tony Marks says that the airline is discussing domestic links with several Chinese carriers, but is "closest" to Shanghai-based China Eastern. Marks says that, after doubling its size over the past four years, the airline's focus will now be on consolidation of new routes and alliances.
ANZ has also signed a code sharing agreement with Lan Chile, replacing a long-standing interline arrangement. The carrier's weekly Boeing 767-300 service to Los Angeles via Papeete will connect with Lan Chile's flight from Papeete to Santiago.
Qantas is negotiating a similar agreement to link its Tahiti services with the Chilean carrier.
Source: Flight International
