Air China and Air New Zealand now offer code-share service connecting China, Australia, and New Zealand, with effect from July 1. With this new code-share to the "Down Under", the highly regarded Air New Zealand has become the twentieth airline to partner with Air China in cooperative code-share service.

"Partnering with a strong Star Alliance carrier like Air New Zealand is a great benefit for travelers to and from China," said Mrs. Zhang Lan, Senior Vice President for Air China. "We are proud to join with Air New Zealand in expanding passengers' choices to fly to more destinations, and we believe that Air New Zealand customers will be pleased with the levels of service they will receive onboard our modern Air China fleet."

Air China will code-share on Air New Zealand flights between Shanghai and Auckland, as well as on some flights between Australia and New Zealand. In return, Air New Zealand will code-share on Air China's international services between China and Australia, which connect the four major cities of the two countries, namely Beijing and Shanghai with Sydney and Melbourne.

The new code-share follows a cooperation agreement on frequent flyer programs that Air China signed with Air New Zealand at the end of last year. Both the frequent flyer agreement and the code-share will benefit passengers with greater travel options and more opportunities to earn and redeem mileage. The air carriers' cooperation will also enhance the growing cultural and economic exchange between China and New Zealand.

Air China will become a full member of the Star Alliance later this year, of which Air New Zealand was an early member. The code-share with Air New Zealand is an important cooperation step between members of the alliance.