AirAsia helping Christchurch

AirAsia is doing its bit to help with the restoration of Christchurch.

The budget airline's inaugural flight landed in the quake-damaged city last night.

The Malaysia-based carrier's international network includes 15 destinations in 10 countries. It's part of the wider AirAsia Group, which operates over 150 routes covering Asia, Australia and Europe.

The airline says it will donate a percentage of each ticket to and from New Zealand over the next two months.

It aims to raise $220,000 to go toward the restoration of Christchurch's heritage buildings like the Cathedral and Arts Centre. The airline estimates it will bring around 70,000 new visitors to the country in its first year.

- NEWSTALK ZB