Air New Zealand will soon
introduce larger aircraft for its weekday Rotorua to Auckland flights to cater
for higher demand from travellers. The airline says ticket prices for the
flights could be as low as $79, depending on demand. Rotorua International
Airport chief executive Alastair Rhodes said he welcomed Air New Zealand's
decision to introduce its larger Q300 aircraft on its weekday morning flight
between Auckland and Rotorua. The flights will commence in February, with the
departure time for the Auckland to Rotorua flight moving from 8.05am to 8.30am
and the Rotorua to Auckland flight leaving slightly later at 9.30am instead of
9am. Mr Rhodes said the 50-seat Q300 aircraft provided an additional 31 seats
per flight, the equivalent of a 300 per cent annual seat capacity increase. The
scheduling change and the potential for Air New Zealand to offer $79 lead in
fares are positive developments for Rotorua businesses and residents alike, he
said. "The fact Air New Zealand is providing the increased capacity
without any decrease in frequency means we get the benefit of an efficient and
cost-effective schedule for locals and visitors to and from Rotorua and the
wider Bay of Plenty region." Mr Rhodes said the decision demonstrated real
commitment from Air New Zealand to meet the needs of Rotorua, Bay of Plenty and
Auckland travellers. "In addition, with most international visitors flying
into Auckland International Airport, the domestic Auckland to Rotorua link is a
critical tourism route for us. "As such, the additional capacity of the
Q300 will also have a positive spin-off for the local and regional tourism
sector." Air New Zealand group general manager for New Zealand and the
Pacific Islands, Cam Wallace, said the service would prove popular with leisure
and business travellers and tourists. Larger aircraft and the extra capacity
that would provide would not only mean that Air New Zealand could offer more
seats, but more seats at better prices. Fares for the flight will remain the
same, but there will be a much larger number of lower fares available than in
the past due to the increased capacity, he said.
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