New Agreement to Benefit Air NZ Customers

EMBARGOED UNTIL 8PM, 7 SEPTEMBER 2007
Media Release

New Air Services Agreement to Benefit Air New Zealand Customers

Air New Zealand has welcomed today’s announcement by Prime Minister Helen Clark of a new “Blue Sky” Air Transport Agreement between New Zealand and Canada.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Norm Thompson said today the agreement successfully negotiated by the Government would provide a great platform for the airline’s further expansion into the Canadian market.

Air New Zealand begins a direct year-round service to Vancouver in November. It will offer three flights a week during the peak travel periods between November-March and July-August, and is likely to offer twice-weekly services for the remainder of the year.

Under the current arrangements, Canadian and New Zealand airlines are each restricted to operating four flights a week.

“Today’s agreement removes the bilateral barriers limiting our ability to further develop this market. We look forward to working with our Star Alliance partner Air Canada to extend our reach and offer Kiwis more travel choices. This will have fantastic benefits for our tourism industry and our customers in both markets,” Mr Thompson says.

Already 46,000 Canadians visits New Zealand and 16,000 Kiwis travel to Canada each year – even before the commencement of a direct service.

“Today’s agreement is another pillar strengthening the bilateral bridge between the two nations,” says Mr Thompson.

ENDS

© Scoop Media