OREANDA-NEWS. Air New Zealand has announced today that it will begin flying direct to South America in December 2015 for the first time in the airline's history.

The year-round Air New Zealand service will see a Boeing 777-200 aircraft operate three return flights per week between Auckland and Buenos Aires, commencing in December 2015.

Norris Carter, Auckland Airport's general manager aeronautical commercial, says he is delighted by the announcement which will see an additional 95,000 seats added to the South America market.

"This new direct Auckland to Buenos Aires service will enhance access to the emerging South America market," says Mr Carter. "This is a key market that we have seen impressive growth from recently with visitor arrivals from South America increasing 12.5 per cent in the last 12 months."

"Buenos Aires is a very popular tourist destination in South America. This new service means there are now two direct carriers to South America, providing more options for New Zealanders wanting to travel to South America. It also provides South Americans with more choice when visiting New Zealand, which is fantastic news for our tourism industry."

"This new direct service also strengthens Auckland's position as a hub airport for Asia, Australasia and the Americas. Air New Zealand and its partner airlines offer 45 return flights per week to Asia, 110 return flights per week to Australia and, with the addition of this service in December, 32 return flights per week to the Americas."

"We congratulate the Air New Zealand team on this initiative and look forward to working with them and Tourism New Zealand to make it a success," finishes Mr Carter.