Pacific Blue Competition Not Unexpected

Media Release

21 August 2007

Pacific Blue Competition Not Unexpected

Air New Zealand says it is not surprised by budget carrier Pacific Blue's announcement today that it intends to launch domestic services.

"Since Air New Zealand announced several months ago that it had a significant review of its domestic operations underway that were expected to yield the next evolution in the travel experience within New Zealand we have heard murmurings of competitors bringing forward their launch plans," says Group General Manager Shorthaul Airline Norm Thompson.

"We remain confident that the initiatives we will unveil at our Annual Result on Tuesday will herald a new era for low cost, efficient and comfortable domestic air travel."

Mr Thompson says Air New Zealand consistently benchmarks itself against airlines around the globe, including airlines in Australia, and is confident in its ability to perform and compete.

ENDS

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