Air New Zealand will operate flights to South America for the first time beginning in late 2015.
From December Air NZ will operate three return flights per week year-round between Auckland and Buenos Aires on Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
Norris Carter, Auckland Airport general manager, aeronautical commercial welcomed the new route, which will add an extra 95,000 seats to the South America market.
"This new direct Auckland to Buenos Aires service will enhance access to the emerging South America market, and is a key market that we have seen impressive growth from recently," Carter said
Visitor arrivals from South America have grown 12.5% in the last 12 months, he said.
"Buenos Aires is a very popular tourist destination in South America and this new service means there are now two direct carriers to South America, providing more options for New Zealanders wanting to travel to the continent," he added.
"We congratulate the Air New Zealand team on this initiative and look forward to working with them and Tourism New Zealand to make it a success."
