Air New Zealand is giving free flights to those most affected by the Canterbury earthquake.
As well as donating 1000 return tickets to the mayoral relief fund for worst-affected families, Air New Zealand is also helping some Christchurch families leave the city for a break by releasing 1500 cheap fares to domestic destinations.
One resident, Richard Jack from the suburb of St Albans, put his family on a plane for Auckland on Thursday so he could begin the dangerous clean-up of their property.
Mr Jack says a week in Auckland will give his family some relief from the stress caused by the aftershocks.
Christchurch City Council has not yet decided how the flights will be distributed. A spokesperson says it may take some days to work out the details.
Air New Zealand says the return flights can be used to fly to any of its national destinations.
Rival airline Jetstar says it is considering what contribution it can make to help people in Canterbury. It says it is offering full flexibility to its ticket-holders in Christchurch.
