Poll Shows Business Travellers Want Earlier Flights from Kapiti

Monday 25th June 2018 - 84 per cent of business travellers would prefer a new air service to depart earlier from Paraparaumu to Auckland, according to data released from a Colmar Brunton Poll commissioned by the Kāpiti Coast District Council.

In a survey conducted during May 2018, 36 per cent of business travellers said they would prefer a 6.45am departure, and 48 per cent a 7.30am departure.

Heather Hutchings, Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce Chair, says these results back up anecdotal evidence that an earlier, more frequent service to Auckland would attract more business travellers.

“Local businesses have been telling us for some time that they would choose to fly from Paraparaumu if more early morning options were on offer. A 6.45am flight would enable them to be in Auckland’s CBD for the start of the business day.

“A better flight schedule from Kapiti has been identified as one of the reasons more people would choose to fly from Paraparaumu over Palmerston North or Wellington. Affordable fares and easy, cheaper parking are also important considerations for travellers to make and align with what we’ve heard from business in both Kapiti and Porirua.

“It’s important that a new flight service takes these factors into consideration, particularly if we’re to make the most of the untapped market to the south of Kapiti,” says Heather Hutchings.

The Colmar Brunton Survey found that Porirua residents travelled more than 85,000 sectors to and from Auckland from Wellington, compared to only 1,672 sectors from Kapiti.

“This quantifies what we know - there's a significant market in Porirua and Mana, but there is some work to be done on convincing them to head north instead of south when choosing to fly to Auckland. There is a perception it’s further to travel, but we need to be looking to the future. Travel time will significantly reduce when Transmission Gully Opens in 2020.

“The Chamber supports the Kāpiti Coast District Council in their efforts to secure Air Chathams for Kāpiti Airport. These survey results have given us a much clearer picture of what travellers and business commuters are looking for in flights to Auckland and will help us get a new service off the ground quickly should it get the green light,” says Heather Hutchings.

The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce exists to advance the economy by creating wealth and employment and solve local business issues by providing a collective voice for business in Kāpiti. Over 300 members in Kāpiti belong to the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce to stay connected, network and gain knowledge and support from our local membership.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media