Wellington’s Deputy Mayor, Justin Lester, says improving Wellington’s international connectivity has been a priority for the city for some time.
This new route provides the most direct and seamless link between Wellington and Singapore, one of the world’s largest air transport hubs. We welcome Singapore Airlines to Wellington and look forward to a long-term relationship that will benefit us both.
“There are huge benefits from improving international access for business and tourism with Asia. The ability to book an international ticket on a wide-body jet from Wellington to Singapore will be extremely beneficial for both Wellingtonians and visitors to our city.”
Cr Lester is leading the City Council’s response to the announcement due to Mayor Celia Wade-Brown’s position on the board of Wellington International Airport Ltd.
Wellington City Council’s Economic Growth Committee Chair, Councillor Jo Coughlan, says the Singapore Airlines service needs to be seen as part of Wellington’s continued growth and wider economic development.
“Connecting Wellington to international markets has direct benefits for central New Zealand, including our tourism and education sectors, the proposed convention centre, and further indirect links to developments such as a film industry precinct and tech hub.
“This new route will greatly improve Wellington’s links to Asia and play a significant part in the Capital’s economic and tourism development.”
Cr Lester says the new route provides the first direct air link between New Zealand and Canberra. “While it’s symbolically important that there’s now a direct link between the capital cities on both sides of the Tasman, there is significant movement of governmental people between the capitals and so the new service will cut out the need for a two-flight trip between the cities.”
Cr Coughlan adds that, for passengers on flights to Singapore, the Canberra connection will add the certainty and convenience of flying on one aircraft all the way with an award-winning airline.