Christchurch Goes Long-Haul: Air New Zealand's New Direct Routes to Singapore, Tokyo & Perth

Premium Cabin News · Christchurch

Three brand-new non-stop international services on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — complete with Air New Zealand’s all-new Business Premier Luxe, Business Premier and Premium Economy seats.

Big news for travellers based in the South Island. Air New Zealand has confirmed three new direct international services from Christchurch (CHC), opening up non-stop access to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth for the first time on these routes. All three will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and the flights are already available to book.

For our clients, the headline isn’t just “direct” — it’s the aircraft. These 789s carry Air New Zealand’s fully redesigned cabin, the airline’s first all-new onboard product in more than 15 years. That means the latest Business Premier Luxe, redesigned Business Premier, and brand-new Premium Economy seats — exactly the premium cabins we specialise in.

The all-new cabins on these 789s

These routes are flown by Air New Zealand’s retrofitted (and factory-fitted) 787-9 Dreamliners featuring the new cabin experience — new seats in every class, a new in-flight entertainment system with larger 4K screens and Bluetooth audio, wireless charging and more privacy up front. For travellers who care about how they arrive, the premium cabins are the story:

•  Business Premier Luxe — the elevated, first-class-style product. Four front-row seats with a full closing door for privacy, a larger lie-flat bed, and an ottoman that doubles as a guest seat with room for two to dine together. Bookable as a paid seat-select option when purchasing Business Premier.

•  Business Premier — redesigned lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access for every passenger, a memory-foam mattress, large 4K screen, Bluetooth audio, wireless charging and USB-C. The difference between landing exhausted and landing ready.

•  Premium Economy — an all-new recliner with a fixed outer shell (so the person in front reclining won’t affect you), winged headrest for added privacy, more thoughtful storage and the same upgraded entertainment. The sweet spot for a meaningful upgrade without the full Business Premier fare.

The New Routes at a Glance

All services are subject to the usual Government and regulatory approvals.

A new gateway to the UK & Europe

The new direct Christchurch – Singapore service does more than connect the South Island to Asia — it opens up a smoother path all the way to the UK and Europe. Through Air New Zealand’s long-standing alliance with Singapore Airlines, you can connect at Singapore’s Changi Airport onto Singapore Airlines’ extensive network of flights to London and cities right across Europe.

For premium travellers, this is a genuinely compelling option. You can fly Christchurch to Singapore in Air New Zealand’s new Business Premier or Premium Economy, then continue to the UK or Europe in Singapore Airlines’ award-winning Business Class or Premium Economy — all on one itinerary, with baggage checked through and Star Alliance frequent flyer benefits along the way.

Already flying these routes via Auckland?

If you booked an indirect service via Auckland to Singapore, Tokyo Narita or Perth through Fine Travel, you may be able to switch onto the new direct Dreamliner service. Conditions apply, including travel-date and fare-difference rules, so get in touch and we’ll review your booking. If you booked directly with Air New Zealand or through another agency, you’ll need to contact them to arrange any change.