Air New Zealand takes off to Taipei
Air New Zealand has today announced it will start operating non-stop flights between Auckland and Taipei from November 2018.
The airline will fly up to five times a week between Auckland and Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport from November, with NZ77 departing Auckland at 10:35am and arriving in Taipei at 4:50pm local time. NZ78 will depart Taipei at 6:30pm local time, arriving in Auckland at 10:20am+1.
With a flight time of just over 11 hours, the service from Auckland to the central Asian destination will be operated by Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says New Zealand is already a popular destination for visitors from this region and the new direct route will encourage even more tourist activity.
"Air New Zealand's new service is significantly quicker and more convenient than current indirect options. New Zealand already welcomes around 36,000 visitors a year from the Taiwan market and we're confident a direct link will grow numbers further.
"Providing a non-stop service to Taipei will also enable more Kiwis to explore this destination. Taipei is a culturally diverse city renowned for its food scene, lively night markets, traditional temples and busy shopping streets - all crowned by the Taipei 101 skyscraper that dominates the city's skyline. Beyond Taipei there are nine national parks offering nature experiences and activities such as hiking and biking as well as beautiful beaches."
Fares go on sale today. The service is subject to government and regulatory approvals.
Air New Zealand's Auckland - Taipei schedule from 1 November 2018 is as follows:
| Flight Number | Departs | Arrives | Aircraft type |
| NZ77 | Auckland 10:35am | Taipei 4:50pm | Boeing 787-9 |
| NZ78 | Taipei 6:30pm | Auckland 10:20am +1 | Boeing 787-9 |
Today's announcement comes after the airline launched direct services to Houston and Buenos Aires in December 2015 and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in June 2016.