More signs of confidence from China Southern Airlines about the growth of its New Zealand market.

The airline is increasing capacity on its Auckland to Guangzhou route by replacing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Auckland Airport’s Norris Carter says it means an additional 14,000 seats on the route during the peak period between January and March.

Last month China Southern Airlines increased its services on the Auckland to Guangzhou route from 10 to 14 flights per week for the October to March peak summer period.