Monday, August 26, 2024 Call it cliché, call it a bit cheesy, but it’s cheese rolls all around as Air New Zealand celebrates five years since launching its longest domestic jet service, connecting Invercargill and Auckland. In what is believed to be a world first for the delicacy, customers will today be treated to some ‘Southland Sushi’ at 30,000ft to commemorate the service, which first took to the skies on the evening of 25 August 2019 to Invercargill. Despite brief pauses in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service triumphantly returned in December 2021 and currently operates five direct return services a week.
Air New Zealand General Manager Domestic Scott Carr says the introduction of the direct service was one of the major developments on the airline’s domestic network in recent years and continues to be a solid performer. “Over the past five years, we have operated more than 1600 flights between Auckland and Invercargill, welcoming more than 236,000 customers onboard. “The route is not only a staple for Southlanders but also serves as a gateway for visitors from the north to explore the wider Southland region and popular tourism areas such as Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Catlins.
“As well as carrying passengers, the service is also a vital cargo link with over 500 tonnes of high-value exports, including fish, pāua and lobster, winging their way to Auckland and beyond.” Great South Regional Economic Development Agency Chief Execu.