Media Release
10 June 2009

New Flights for Wellington will provide a boost to regional economy

Today’s commencement of Jetstar’s domestic flights into and out of Wellington and Pacific Blue’s announcement of new services across the Tasman to Sydney are positive for the region at these difficult economic times according to the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The new flights will stimulate demand and increase options to fly into and out of the city. Lower fares can also be expected in the long-run,” said Chamber CEO, Charles Finny.

“They provide an opportunity to increase the numbers of visitors to Wellington providing a boost to the region’s economy – not least the tourism industry.

“Enhanced competition and more flights should also increase Wellington businesses and other travellers’ ability to travel around the country and across the Tasman more cost effectively. Suppliers of services to the airlines will also benefit from the additional flights.

“We hope that Jetstar will eventually expand its flights in and out of Wellington to a wider range of domestic destinations as well as to trans-Tasman flights and that Pacific Blue will continue to expand the range of flights offered domestically and Trans-Tasman.

Competition on air routes is the best way to deliver cost effective customer services and is also ultimately in the best interests of the airlines. Improved transportation links, particularly international links, are crucial to the growth of the Wellington and New Zealand economies”, Mr Finny concluded.

ENDS

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