Air New Zealand's alliance with Singapore Airlines has taken off.
The alliance's first return service between New Zealand and Singapore left Auckland in the early hours of Tuesday.
The airlines will operate a daily return service between Auckland and Singapore, while Singapore Airlines will also operate a daily return service between Christchurch and Singapore.
"The operational launch of our alliance is an exciting way to kick off 2015, a year which will see us grow our long haul network," Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said.
"Our New Zealand-Singapore service is a key to our Pacific Rim strategy, providing our customers with not only a convenient direct service, but great connectivity to South East Asia and markets beyond."
Air New Zealand will be operating newly refurbished Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the new route, while Singapore Airlines will be operating the world's largest plane, the Airbus A380.
Source: AAP
