Flights between Auckland and Guangzhou launched by China Southern Airlines

China's largest airline, China Southern Airlines, is officially launching a direct flight between Auckland and Guangzhou today.The first flight touches down at Auckland airport this afternoon, where Prime Minister John Key will meet airline dignitaries for an official launch before the delegation head to Queenstown for a showcase of New Zealand tourism.

The airline is injecting $10M into a marketing campaign aimed to promote New Zealand as the ultimate tourist destination in the hope of generating an increase in visitor demand between Auckland and China.To start with flights between Auckland and Guangzhou will operate three days a week.