Singapore Airlines celebrates 35 years of flying to and from Christchurch

Singapore Airlines is one of New Zealand's longest serving airlines, and it's not just Auckland where it's maintained its link with Aotearoa. Friday marks 35 years of Singapore Airlines flying in and out of Christchurch. On October 8 1986, a Boeing 747-200 touched down at Christchurch International Airport, a very modern aircraft for its time. Not only was Singapore Airlines flight SQ388 the airline's first flight into Christchurch, it was the first from any international long-haul carrier. Initially operating as a weekly service that returned to Singapore via Auckland, Singapore Airlines had grown its services to a daily flight operating Singapore-Christchurch return, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The daily operations, which grew to 10 times a week in peak season, meant not only the people but the products of the Canterbury region were just hours away from anywhere on Singapore Airlines pre-pandemic global network of 135 destinations in 37 countries. Singapore Airlines General Manager New Zealand, Kenny Teo, says he's disappointed COVID-19 has meant the celebration has to be low-key. "To have been a consistent part of the South Islands' history for 35 years is something we are incredibly proud of," Teo said.<br/>