Commencement of Chengdu-Auckland International Flight

He said that at present, Chengdu is endeavoring to strengthen its functions as western China’s economic center, science and technology center, financial center, cultural innovation center, foreign communication center and comprehensive international transportation hub, as well as accelerating the establishment of interior China’s open-type economic core and an international friendship gateway city.

The availability of the Chengdu–Auckland non-stop route further enhances Chengdu’s flight network to Oceania, and will surely stimulate deeper exchanges and cooperation between Chengdu and Auckland in areas like commerce, trade, tourism and culture. Such new convenience will galvanize personnel interactions between southwestern China and New Zealand, contribute considerably to pragmatic collaborations between the two sides, enhance China–New Zealand relations and reinforce joint efforts in establishing the “Belt and Road”.

Auckland is the largest city, economic center and transportation hub of New Zealand. The Chengdu–Auckland international route is Chengdu’s first direct flight to New Zealand and third non-stop connection to Oceania.

Chief Executive Officer of Auckland Airport Adrian Littlewood, Consul-general of New Zealand in Chengdu Alistair Crozier, board chairman of Sichuan Airlines Corporation Li Haiying and other distinguished guests attended the maiden flight ceremony.