Singapore Airlines marks 40 years of Christchurch service

Dhaka: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has completed 40 years of operations at Christchurch Airport in New Zealand's South Island, according to a social media post from the airport on October 8.

SIA's first flight touched down in Christchurch in 1986. Since then, the airline has become one of the airport's longest-standing international partners.

To mark the occasion, the airport welcomed an arriving SIA Airbus A350 with a traditional water arch salute. Celebrations were also held for passengers on board.

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson described the four-decade relationship as something to be proud of.

"Forty years is an extraordinary commitment and speaks volumes about the strength of Singapore Airlines’ relationship with Christchurch and the South Island," he said.

The airport said it looks forward to continuing the partnership to keep the region connected with the world.

SIA currently operates a daily return service on the Singapore-Christchurch route with its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

The outbound flight, SQ297, departs Singapore at around 7:50 pm and arrives in Christchurch at about 10:00 am the next day, while the return flight, SQ298, leaves Christchurch at around 10:50 am and lands in Singapore at about 5:40 pm. The flights take roughly 10 hours in each direction.