SIA to add 165,000 seats to Singapore-Auckland route

This boosts the route's capacity by 40%.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air New Zealand said they will jointly launch a third daily flight between Singapore and Auckland on 28 October 2018.

The two announced in a press release that the new flight will boost the route's capacity by 40% and add over 165,000 seats.

"The additional service, along with a revision of current schedules, will shorten connection times and improve connectivity through the Singapore hub," SIA said.

The new service will operate daily during the peak Northern Winter season from 28 October 2018 to 30 March 2019, five times per week during the Northern Summer season from 31 March 2019 to 26 October 2019.

During peak months the airlines will jointly operate a total of 35 return services a week between Singapore and New Zealand, including Christchurch and Wellington flights.

Tickets for the new Singapore-Auckland service will be made available for sale progressively through the various distribution channels from 8 December 2017.

Under their joint venture alliance that took effect in January 2015, the two airlines will continue to operate one daily return service each on the Singapore-Auckland route, with a third service operated by Singapore Airlines during the Northern Winter season and Air New Zealand during the Northern Summer season.

SIA will operate a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, depending on the season. Air New Zealand will operate its new configuration 787-9 aircraft, offering more Premium Economy and Business Premier seats than its current 787-9 fleet.