Taiwanese carrier China Airlines is launching an inaugural four times weekly service between Sydney and Auckland from 29 October 2012.

China Airlines sales manager Jim Wong told e-Travel Blackboard the introduction of the Sydney to Auckland service is in response to a growing demand from the business and leisure sectors.

“We expect a strong response from the Australian marketplace," Mr Wong said when discussing the competition on the sector.

The sales manager believes China Airlines strong passenger following will be secured because of the airlines already outstanding international standard in-flight service, including advanced audio video on demand (AVOD) entertainment system in each seat.

Mr Wong also pointed out the airlines highly competitive fares with both one way and return routes along with the flight schedules will ensure passengers will book.

The Sydney to Auckland flight is scheduled to depart at 12:30 and arrive in Auckland at 17:40 while the Auckland to Sydney flight departs at 18:50 and arrives in Sydney at 20:30.

These flights will be operated with an advanced Airbus A330-300 aircraft, configured with 30 business class seats and 277 economy class seats.  The plane is equipped with AVOD systems which allow every passenger on board to freely choose from an extensive library of entertainment including current blockbusters to classic films as well as short films.

China Airlines has released highly competitive fares which are available in all GDS starting from AUD$183(tax inclusive) one way in economy and AUD$463(tax inclusive) one way in business class from Sydney to Auckland.

China Airlines is a member of SkyTeam Alliance, and is the largest airline in Taiwan, flying to over 111 destinations in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, and have a strong network presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Northeast Asia.