Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand have confirmed 6 January 2015 as the launch date for their alliance, with codeshare flights going on sale on both airlines’ services between Singapore and New Zealand on 25 September.

The alliance will see the Star Alliance carriers operating one return service each per day on the Singapore-Auckland route and Singapore Airlines operating a daily return service between Singapore and Christchurch.

Under the alliance Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand’s goal is to increase their existing capacity between New Zealand and Singapore by up to 30% year-round over time, while delivering enhanced benefits to their customers.

Customers will enjoy increased capacity and additional frequencies between the two countries as well as codeshare connectivity to a further 40 destinations in the Air New Zealand network. In turn, Air New Zealand will codeshare to a further 50 destinations on the Singapore Airlines and SilkAir network.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “This alliance is a clear example of how our two airlines can do more by working together than we could do individually. Through increased frequency between Singapore and New Zealand and new codeshare destinations, it provides numerous benefits to our customers. It is also another example of our commitment to the important Southwest Pacific market.”

Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said: “Our alliance with Singapore Airlines going on sale is an exciting milestone in our growth strategy. We are looking forward to operating to Singapore for the first time in eight years, with this alliance allowing us to further expand our long haul network and open up a wide range of new codeshare destinations for our customers.

“Singapore Airlines is well regarded for its inflight product and service which we believe complements the service that Air New Zealand is well regarded for. By working closely together we hope we can further stimulate the market and drive visitor numbers from both ends of the route.”

Under the alliance Air New Zealand will operate newly refurbished Boeing 777-200 aircraft on the Auckland-Singapore route featuring Business Premier, Premium Economy, Economy Skycouch and Economy seating.

Singapore Airlines will continue to operate retrofitted Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the Singapore-Christchurch route. Airbus A380s will be used on the Singapore-Auckland route during the Northern Winter operating season, reverting to Boeing 777-300ERs during Northern Summer.