Air New Zealand has set its sights on Invercargill.

The airline will be trialling a direct service between Invercargill and Auckland using its Airbus A320 jet aircraft from the second half of 2019.

Reuben Levermore says the Southland community has told them a direct Invercargill-Auckland service is important.

He says the challenge for the community will be to support the trial - to ensure it’s sustainable.

Invercargill's mayor Tim Shadbolt says it's been a long time coming.

Shadbolt says as well as negotiations with Air New Zealand they've been building infrastructure.

"There's been quite intense negotiations going on for some time, but in terms of the infrastructure, the runway's been extended and we've just got a new airport terminal."

LISTEN TO TIM SHADBOLT TALK WITH LARRY WILLIAMS ABOVE