GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) recently announced that they have appointed Airline Rep Services as its GSA for Fiji and New Zealand.
This makes us suspicious that they might be planning to add direct flights to New Zealand. Also, many Indian citizens are eagerly waiting for such nonstop flights between India and New Zealand.
Air India New Zealand and Fiji
Under the agreement, Airline Rep Services will manage reservations, ticketing, marketing initiatives, and passenger sales support for Air India in New Zealand and Fiji. The collaboration aims to provide streamlined and personalized services to travel agents and customers, ensuring efficient operations and an enhanced customer experience.
This partnership is expected to bolster passenger traffic connecting Air India’s routes in Australia, Singapore, and beyond. With its expanding fleet and focus on world-class services, Air India seeks to cater to the growing demand for travel between India and these regions, further strengthening global connectivity.
Ram Chhabra, CEO of CVFR Travel Group, expressed pride in the partnership, stating,
We are truly honored to represent Air India, bringing the airline’s extensive route network and fast-transforming passenger experience closer to travelers in the regions. As someone with Indian heritage, this appointment holds special significance for me. I am proud that Airline Rep Services will contribute to strengthening ties between these markets and India.”
Ram Chhabra, CEO of CVFR Travel Group
Air India currently operates 17 weekly flights between Australia and India, along with 60 weekly flights between Singapore and India. The airline offers convenient connections to the UK, Europe, and North America via its hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Following its privatization, Air India is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, implementing significant changes across its operations and organization. The airline has begun receiving deliveries from its record-breaking order of 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.
This includes state-of-the-art Airbus A350 and A320 aircraft, featuring world-class cabin designs that reflect Air India’s commitment to delivering a superior flying experience.
Citizen Feedback
I asked one Indian origin person having citizenship in New Zealand, Mr. Nitesh about this possible flight connection.
He said this can help many Indian citizens residing in Auckland, Wellington, Waikato, and Canterbury. Also, Indians in New Zealand are the largest immigrants from Asia.
I frequently visit India as my parents reside there and I have to travel via Singapore or Australia but I prefer Singapore as it has the best layover.
Mr. Nitesh also said that multiple non-stop flight options will keep fares affordable.
How Is It Possible?
Let’s analyse, which Air India aircraft can operate direct flights between India and New Zealand.
Air India if planning then they will start direct flights between its hub, Delhi International Airport (DEL), and Auckland Airport (AKL), the most populated city in New Zealand.
Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city, has an urban population of approximately 1,531,400 as of June 2024.
The flight distance between Delhi and Auckland is around 12,500 Kilometers (7767 miles). To cover this distance, the flight takes around 15 hours and 30 minutes.
Air India’s long-haul widebody fleet including Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s is capable of serving this route nonstop. Air India now also includes Vistara 787-9 which can also serve this route.
Here’s the range of Air India’s aircraft fleet:
- Airbus A350-900: 15,000 Km
- Boeing 777-200LR: 15,843 kilometers
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 14,140 km
However, the 777-300ER has a range of 11,165 km, expects and all others are capable of this flight.
Air New Zealand, the flag carrier of NZ is also a Star Alliance Member and can help it expand its footprint in NZ.
Apart from this, Tourism Australia and Air India have entered a three-year marketing partnership to increase Indian visitor arrivals to Australia, leveraging Air India’s expanded market presence.
Further, Air India has strengthened its presence in Malaysia by opening a City Office in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and designating Oscar Travel Services as its Passenger General Sales Agent (GSA) in the region.
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