Ten new air service deals to strengthen NZ's global links

The Government is pushing to have air services agreements liberalised. Photo / File

New Zealand has secured 10 new air service deals allowing links with countries ranging from Bahrain in the Middle East to Curacao in the Caribbean.

New air services agreements signed with Bahrain, Colombia, Egypt, Greece, Oman, Serbia and the Seychelles would strengthen global links for Kiwi travellers and businesses, said transport minister Simon Bridges. New arrangements reached with the Czech Republic and Curacao have been approved for airlines to offer code-share services.

"The new arrangements mean that airlines from these countries will have the opportunity to offer services to New Zealand if they see commercial opportunities - unhindered by the regulatory barriers that characterise much of international aviation."

New Zealand airlines now had the opportunity to offer services in these markets, Bridges said.

Agreements don't necessarily mean there will be links as airlines determine that after assessing the commercial viability of a route. But without such deals there's no chance of links.

"Without the air services agreements you cannot do the flying," Bridges said. He was most optimistic about possible code share services linking this country to Greece, Serbia and the Seychelles being first of the new batch.

A new deal done with China, also confirmed yesterday, has led to a surge in the number of services and airlines flying between that country and New Zealand.

Bridges said the agreements with Bahrain and Oman mean that New Zealand now has air services agreements with all members of the Gulf Co-operation Council, strengthening links to the Middle East.

The Government is pushing to have air services agreements liberalised. Several thousand bilateral deals are in force around the world and are caught up in complex regulation.

Since the Government launched its International Air Transport Policy in 2012, more than 40 new or amended agreements have been negotiated. Air travel to and from New Zealand has increased by 5 per cent with a record 2.91 million arrivals last year and 2.28 million departures.