In Queenstown to attend the 2010 Star Alliance Conference at Millbrook Resort yesterday, Mr Fyfe said despite being a "long way away" from any of New Zealand's source markets for tourists, Air New Zealand was the 46th largest airline in the world - and ranked 11th in airlines servicing routes over 11 hours.
"We have a large number of very long, skinny routes.
"Star Alliance partners are also helping Air New Zealand to source tourists, which feed the economy.
"Without the connectivity of the Star Alliance, there is no doubt that fewer tourists would be visiting our country and we would be a poorer nation as a consequence," he said.
The airline was in the process of exploring several new routes, which included South America through North America, through Asia, China and across India.
"We see many, many exciting opportunities.
"The relationship we have with our Star Alliance partners to help connect us with a far wider range of countries and populations than we could access directly is critical."
There were now 27 members of the Star Alliance and another four were confirmed to join over about the next year.
Every new member of the alliance helped Air New Zealand extend its global reach.
Mr Fyfe said the airline was also hoping for an announcement this week regarding a strategic alliance between it and Virgin Blue on transtasman routes, with decisions from the Australian competition regulator and the Minister of Transport expected any day.
