Air New Zealand has celebrated 60 years of service between Auckland and Hong Kong, one of Asia's most dynamic hubs.
Air New Zealand is marking 60 years since its first service between Auckland and Hong Kong, celebrating six decades of connecting people, trade and opportunity between New Zealand and one of Asia’s most dynamic hubs.
On 3 March 1966, Air New Zealand operated its inaugural DC8 service from Auckland to Hong Kong, opening a new chapter in the airline’s long-haul history.
The route quickly became known for its memorable arrival into Kai Tak airport, famed for its dramatic approach. Pilots navigated sharp turns between high-rise apartment blocks, offering passengers a close-up view into neighbouring flats before landing on the harbour side runway.
Over the decades, the service has continued to evolve. In 1982, a once-weekly Boeing 747 service began operating from Auckland to Hong Kong via Port Moresby, in association with Cathay Pacific and Air Niugini. A non-stop service was reintroduced in 1985, and in 1995, the first Boeing 767 service between Auckland and Hong Kong began.
The route was increased to daily flights in 2003, and in 2013, Air New Zealand launched a major strategic alliance, further streamlining services between Auckland and Hong Kong.
Today, combined with its alliance partnership with Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand carries more than 350,000 passengers each year, with up to 16 flights a week operating during peak periods, flying into Hong Kong International Airport.
Air New Zealand General Manager Long Haul Kylie McGillivray-Brown said the anniversary highlights the airline’s long-standing commitment to the region.
“For six decades, this route is helped connect New Zealand to the world, supporting Kiwi travellers exploring Asia and beyond, enabling our exporters to reach global markets, and welcoming visitors, students and business partners to our shores.”
The route is also a critical freight link for New Zealand. In 2025, the majority of products air freighted between the two regions were carried on an Air New Zealand aircraft. Key commodities include e-commerce, accounting for 70 percent of volume, and consumer electronics at 20 percent.
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