Emirates, the third-biggest carrier on the Tasman, said yesterday it would start flying between Christchurch and Melbourne three days a week from June 11, then move to six times a week from August 1.
Tourism and cargo services to the South Island are expected to receive a boost from the newflights.
The Dubai-based airline flies to Dubai and beyond from Auckland daily via Sydney, daily via Singapore and Brisbane, and daily via Singapore and Melbourne.
