GUANGZHOU, China, April 8, 2013 - A strategic cooperation agreement between China Southern Airlines and New Zealand was signed today, reaffirming the airline’s flight operations and marketing in the New Zealand marketplace.

Participants at the signing ceremony included:John Key, the right honored Prime Minister of New Zealand；Chen Yunxian, Vice-Governor of People’s Government of Guangdong Province；Xu Jianguo, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand；Si Xianmin, President of China Southern Air Holding Company &Chairman of China Southern Airlines；Tan Wan’geng, President and CEO of China Southern Airlines；Lv Yesheng, Director of Baiyun International Airport Group and additional leaders from economy, trade, tourism and education departments from both countries as well as leaders from New Zealand airport and Chinese civil aviation.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key was in attendance in Guangzhou following the 12th Boao Asia Forum held in Hainan, China.

Prime Minister Key traveled to Guangzhou with a traveling party of 70 government officials, airport and tourism leaders.

The date of this strategic cooperation agreement coincided with the anniversary of China Southern Airlines’ Guangzhou-Auckland route.  On April 8, 2012, China Southern Airlines launched direct service between Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou to Auckland, becoming the only Chinese carrier to fly to New Zealand.