New Zealand approves Air NZ-SIA alliance

Wellington - Officials in Wellington gave the green light on Thursday to an alliance between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines, the final regulatory tick needed for the tie-up to proceed.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said the alliance, first announced in January, would result in more flights and lower fares between New Zealand and Singapore.

"Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have committed to offering 30% more seats every week between Auckland and Singapore," he said in a statement. "This will... ensure the availability of low fares".

The Competition Commission of Singapore has already approved the alliance and Air New Zealand chief Chris Luxon said precise details of how it will work would be released shortly.

Air New Zealand passengers will be able to access codeshare travel on the Singapore Airlines network to Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa, as well as on the network of its regional subsidiary, SilkAir.

Singapore Airlines customers will in turn enjoy codeshare travel across the Air New Zealand domestic network and to the Pacific islands.