From October the airline will bring its flagship aircraft to the city. Photo / Getty Images
More Chinese tourists will soon be flying into Christchurch.
China Southern Airlines already fly a direct service between Guangzhou and Christchurch, but from October the airline will bring it's flagship aircraft to the city: the 787-9, which has 30 per cent more seats.
Christchurch Airport Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson say its great news for Christchurch.
"More visitors will be able to access Christchurch and the South Island and we see that having the potential to bring in an additional $66 million in additional business into the South Island."
Watson says it's also great for local exporters as the 787-9 can take an extra three tonnes of freight.
"It has significantly more cargo holds so it's perfect for South Island exporters to get their high quality perishable out of the South Island and up to markets like China."
Watson says it's the latest technology.
"It is more fuel efficient, it can fly further, it has got a better customer experience, the air conditioning's different, it's got Wi-Fi on board, and it really is Southern China's flagship."
He says Christchurch will be one of the first international destinations this aircraft will fly to.
The announcement comes at a time when Chinese visitors to Christchurch airport are growing at twice the national average.
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