Air New Zealand to fly direct to Vietnam

Aircraft manufacturers Asia Pacific Airlines

November 16, 2015

Air New Zealand has expanded its Pacific Rim presence introducing New Zealand’s first direct bellyhold service to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Air New Zealand will fly three times a week between Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport on a seasonal basis, operating from June to October in 2016 with the potential to expand the season in subsequent years.

With a flight time of around 11 hours, the direct service will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

Air New Zealand’s chief executive officer, Christopher Luxon says selecting Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam as a new international destination is in line with the airline’s Pacific Rim focus.

Today’s announcement builds on the carrier’s new direct services to Buenos Aires and Houston both of which commence next month.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.