Group General Manager Shorthaul Airline Appointed

Group General Manager Shorthaul Airline Appointed

Air New Zealand has appointed Bruce Parton to the role of Group General Manager Shorthaul Airline.

Mr Parton, who is currently the airline’s General Manager Domestic Airline, will take up the role effective immediately. He succeeds Norm Thompson who was recently appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Parton will be responsible for more than NZ$2 billion of Air New Zealand’s revenue delivered from the key New Zealand and Australasian regions, as well as the direct distribution network and support structure. He has full operational and financial accountability for the regional turbo prop airlines (Mt Cook, Eagle Air and Air Nelson), domestic jet services, Tasman and Pacific Island services as well as the New Zealand and Australasian airport operations.

Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says Mr Parton has demonstrated a strong ability to drive profitability and implement change to keep a step ahead of the competition during his 12 years with the airline.

“Bruce will add significant strength to the senior management team as Air New Zealand faces a range of hurdles, such as intense competitor activity, soaring fuel prices and a fluctuating dollar. He has a strong commercial, operational, change management and leadership background which when combined with the ability to spot opportunities and quickly seize them will bring an extra dimension to the team,” says Mr Fyfe.

Mr Parton’s previous roles at Air New Zealand include General Manager Pacific Airline, General Manager Airline Operations and General Manager Materials (ANZES).

Mr Parton says he has entered his new role at one of the most pivotal times in Air New Zealand’s recent history.

“My immediate focus will be ensuring that we build on our market leading positions domestically, on the Tasman and in the Pacific. Innovative pricing and marketing strategies coupled with a uniquely Kiwi experience delivered by Air New Zealanders will underpin success. Ultimately, it is our people who set us apart from the competition.”

Mr Parton says continuing to change and evolve the business to meet the needs of customers will be a key challenge.

“We have strengthened this ability over the past few years, but must keep exceeding our customers’ expectations to ensure we remain their airline of choice. Furthermore, we must continue to grow our shorthaul business and a strong focus will be placed on identifying potential capacity expansion and new route opportunities over the next few months.”

Mr Parton says he will spend much of the next few weeks travelling within the business talking to Air New Zealanders about the shorthaul division’s challenges and opportunities as well as meeting with union leaders and other key stakeholders.

ENDS

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