The Australian airline will launch new routes to Samoa and Gold Coast from June. Photo: AFP
Qantas has announced two new services out of Auckland, as it intensifies its battle with Air New Zealand.
The Australian airline will launch new routes to Samoa and Gold Coast from June.
The announcement follows new Qantas services to Adelaide and Perth from Auckland taking off in the past few weeks and the unveiling of its new lounge at Auckland International Airport on Monday afternoon.
The additional services and investment come as Qantas further extends its presence in the New Zealand market.
"Auckland is one of our most important international hubs and these announcements show the scale of investment and growth we're making in New Zealand," Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International & Freight said.
"Combined with our new Auckland lounge soon to open and this weekend's launch of flights to Perth, we're giving Kiwi travellers more choice and premium experiences than ever before." .
Qantas CEO Cam Wallace. Photo: Matt Jelonek/Qantas
Both services will operate three times per week and will commence from 16 June, with tickets going on sale today.
Qantas will use Boeing 737 aircraft for the flights, making it the only airline offering business class flights to the Gold Coast from Auckland.
Qantas' inaugural Auckland to Perth service took off on Sunday, and connects with the airline's direct flights from Western Australia to London, Paris, Rome and Johannesburg.
The Gold Coast service will depart Auckland at 10:20am, arriving in Gold Coast at 12:00pm. Economy fares will start at $320.
Airfares on its year-round flights to Apia will start at $370. It will be the first time Air New Zealand has faced competition on the route since Samoa Airways ended its service in 2022.
Air New Zealand and Jetstar currently operate services between Auckland and Gold Coast.
Cam Wallace will be speaking to Morning Report on RNZ National on Tuesday morning
