Tianjin Airlines has announced a new route connecting Auckland with Chinese cities Chongqing and Tianjin.
The service begins in December and will run three times a week using an A330 aircraft.
It marks Tianjin Airlines’ first route in Oceania.
The airline has seen rapid growth and now serves nine international routes including Moscow and London.
Flights will depart business hub Tianjin for Chongqing and onward to New Zealand.
Auckland Airport expects a $102 million boost to the New Zealand tourism industry from the new service.
"This is great news for Auckland Airport as well as for our city and the country. China is a rapidly developing source market for New Zealand tourism and this new route flying directly to Auckland provides another option for Chinese visitors to experience New Zealand," said airport general manager Norris Carter.
HNA Group backed Tianjin Airlines was only established seven years ago and began flying internationally in 2010.
