Air New Zealand names Fyfe CEO, plans China flights

Air New Zealand names Fyfe CEO, plans China flights    Air New Zealand said today Rob Fyfe takes over as chief executive officer, replacing the airline's chief financial officer and interim CEO Rob McDonald.
   Fyfe joined the airline about three years ago and was most recently group general manager.
   In a separate development Air New Zealand is seeking approval from regulatory authorities to begin non-stop flights between Auckland and Shanghai three times per week using Boeing 777-200ER planes.
   The new service would be Air New Zealand’ first to China. The airline anticipates starting the service at the end of next year as it waits approval.
   “Under current bilateral agreements New Zealand airlines have rights to operate up to seven return services per week to China,” said Norm Thompson, Air New Zealand’s group general manager for marketing, network and sales.
   “Because Air New Zealand is seeking to fly to a new country, the process to gain the regulatory approvals will take approximately six months,” Thompson added.