Air New Zealand, the country's national carrier, launched a direct flight from Beijing to Auckland on Saturday, which is the first non-stop flight from Beijing to New Zealand.

The new non-stop service will operate twice a week using Air New Zealand's new Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Flights will leave Beijing on Thursdays and Saturdays and return from Auckland on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe of Air New Zealand said the new service was part of the company's effort to further expand its market shares in China. Air New Zealand launched a non-stop Auckland-Shanghai service in November 2006.

"More and more Chinese visitors make their travels to New Zealand these years," Fyfe said.

"The number increases by approximately 14 percent year-on-year on average.

"China's rapidly developing economy offers significant opportunities for both Air New Zealand and the broader New Zealand tourism industry."

The new direct service will operate at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport. The non-stop flight is approximately 13 hours 15 minutes from Beijing to Auckland and 14 hours on the return trip.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2008)