China Southern Airlines to deploy 787 aircraft on daily Guangzhou-Auckland sector from 28-Oct-2013

China Southern Airlines announced (23-Jul-2013) plans to deploy Boeing 787 aircraft on daily Guangzhou-Auckland sector from 28-Oct-2013, as confirmed and welcomed by Auckland Airport. This is ahead of the previously announced 787 debut on the sector from 04-Dec-2013. This will be followed by a second China Southern Airlines 787 servicing Auckland for the peak summer period of 04-Dec-2013 to 01-Mar-2014, when Guangzhou-Auckland frequency will increase from seven to 10 times weekly. Auckland Airport GM aeronautical commercial Glenn Wedlock commented: "The announcement of the change to the 787 Dreamliner aircraft immediately provides us with almost five per cent growth in seat capacity per year. This, coupled with the additional three services per week in the summer peak season, again signals strong growth for the industry from Chinese arrivals". He also noted that the new services will offer a 20% advantage in cargo revenue capacity. The carrier's 787 aircraft are configured with 228 seats including four first, 24 business and 200 economy seats. [more - original PR]