New air services agreements signed with Israel, Mauritius, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, and Portugal as well as new arrangements with Turkey and France will boost export and trade opportunities.
The government is also approving a new code-share agreement with The Bahamas.
The negotiation with Turkey permits airlines from each country to commence services using their aircraft, where previously airlines were only allowed to code-share. New arrangements allow the airlines to operate up to 14 passenger and seven cargo services per week.
An amendment to New Zealand’s 1967 Air Transport Agreement with France introduces new route opportunities for airlines in New Caledonia and New Zealand.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges says more flights allow for more high-value freight connections, and increasing regional connections to international flights create more opportunities for provincial exporters.
“The Government’s success in negotiating Air Services Agreements is providing New Zealand access to an enormous wealth of benefits including tourism and trade,” says Bridges.
“Most of the major airlines in the world are now able to operate services to New Zealand without restriction. More than 70 air services agreements are in place with 17 new air routes announced in the past year,” he says.
“New Zealand is incredibly reliant on its air links with other countries, and we will continue our efforts to grow and enhance these connections,” says Bridges.
