US, July 5 -- Vanuatu has gained a second direct gateway to New Zealand with the launch of Solomon Airlines' new Port Vila-Christchurch service, marking the first non-stop air link between the Pacific nation and New Zealand's South Island.

The inaugural flight departed on Thursday aboard an Airbus A320, carrying 125 passengers, as the airline officially expanded its growing presence in the New Zealand market.

Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Matthew Findlay said the new service had already attracted strong demand, with around 2,000 forward bookings confirmed over the coming months.

The twice-weekly Christchurch service, operating on Thursdays and Saturdays from Port Vila (with Christchurch departures on Thursdays and Sundays du...