Air NZ, Cathay extend AKL-HKG alliance until 2019

Air New Zealand's alliance with Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific on the Auckland-Hong Kong route has been extended for another four years after the national airline got sign-off from Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

The carriers each operate one daily return service on the route, increasing to a total of three daily return services over peak months in the Northern Hemisphere's winter season, Air NZ said. The agreement has been in place since January 2013 and will now continue until October 31, 2019.

"This alliance has ensured the airlines work together on tourism and marketing initiatives so travellers can continue to benefit ... " Bridges said.

Government figures show annual visitor arrivals from Hong Kong climbed 42 per cent to 33,712 in the year through July 31 compared to calendar 2012.

Air New Zealand shares fell 1.9 per cent to $2.62.