Air China is set to return to New Zealand with scheduled passenger services for the first time since the pandemic. From May 2nd, the Chinese flag carrier will fly to Auckland (AKL) four times per week from its hub at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Pre-pandemic, China was the second-largest source of inbound visitors to New Zealand, and with Chinese borders open for international travel once more, Air China is now hoping to tap into this rapidly recovering market. From May 2nd, Air China will operate four times per week between Beijing Capital International Airport and Auckland Airport. Flights will be operated by the Boeing 787-9. According to the latest data from ch-aviation.com, Air China currently has 14 Boeing 787-9s in its fleet, each with a maximum capacity of 293 passengers, spread over a three-class configuration - 30 in business class, 34 in premium economy, and 229 in economy class. The aircraft have an average age of 6.2 years old. Air China will not face any direct competition on the Beijing to Auckland route. In terms of direct services between the two countries, fellow Star Alliance member Air New Zealand connects Auckland with Shanghai Pudong International Airport, as does China Eastern Airlines, while China Southern Airlines flies to Auckland from its hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.<br/>