The airline Sichuan Airlines made the first flight from Chengdu to Auckland

At 18:00 on June 13, according to local new Zealand time the first flight from Chengdu to Auckland, operated by the airline Sichuan Airlines from the international airport "Shuangliu", arrived at the place of destination and the airport of Auckland, thus putting the official start of direct flights between these two cities. Deputy Secretary of the City party Committee and mayor of Chengdu Luo Qiang (Qiang Luo), who was in New Zealand for the purpose of conducting activities to promote international communication and investment, jointly with the Minister for customs Masindo Tim (Tim Macindoe) and Deputy mayor of Auckland bill Cashmore (Bill Casmore) took part in a ceremony welcoming the "first flight Chengdu-Auckland" airline Sichuan Airlines.

In his speech at the event, Mr. Luo Qiang conveyed greetings from the Municipal government of Chengdu with the success of the first flight, and also thanked friends and colleagues for their support in the organization of a new route.

According to him, currently, Chengdu is making efforts to expand their functions as economic, scientific, technological, financial, cultural and innovation centre of Western China and an integrated international transport hub, as well as to accelerate the pace of creating national economic nucleus and hub of the city, open to foreign friends.

The presence of a direct flight between Chengdu and Auckland complements the route network of the Sichuan capital in Oceania and will certainly contribute to the deepening of cooperation and exchange between the two cities in areas such as Commerce, trade, tourism and culture. Such convenience will encourage professional contacts between South-West China and New Zealand, will make a significant contribution to pragmatic cooperation and deepen the relationship between the two countries and will allow to increase mutual efforts on implementation of the "Belt and road".

Auckland is the largest city, economic center and transportation hub of New Zealand. The international route from Chengdu to Auckland is the first direct flight connecting Sichuan capital of New Zealand, and the third non-stop route to Oceania.

The welcoming ceremony of the first flight witnessed his presence the chief Executive officer of Auckland airport, Adrian Littlewood (Adrian Littlewood), Consul General of New Zealand in Chengdu Alistair crozier (Crozier Alistair), Board Chairman of Sichuan Airlines Corporation Li Haiying (Haiying Li) and other distinguished guests.