New Masterton-Auckland service launches Monday

Media release

13 February 2009

New Masterton-Auckland service launches Monday

Air New Zealand’s new direct service linking Masterton and Auckland takes off on Monday.

The inaugural service from Masterton departs from the new Masterton Airport Terminal at Hood Aerodrome at 7.05am on 16 February with a number of VIPS onboard. It arrives into Auckland Airport at 8.20am.

The new route will be operated six days a week by Eagle Air, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, utilising a 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.

The inaugural service and official opening of Masterton Airport at Hood Aerodrome will be marked with a function on Sunday hosted by Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell and featuring local entertainment from the Wairarapa Fern & Thistle Pipe Band and Masterton District Brass Band.

Eagle Air General Manager Grant Kerr says the launch of the new service is fantastic news for customers travelling into and out of the Wairarapa, as it will save them time and money.

“Previously, customers had to fly into or out of either Wellington or Palmerston North and make their way by road to the Wairarapa. Our new direct service will make travel between these two points considerably quicker and easier for both business and leisure travellers.”

Mr Daniell says the touchdown of a direct flight service linking Masterton and Auckland is great news for the Wairarapa region.

“In the space of a few short months our aerodrome has become an airport on the domestic route. Without the generosity of those who stepped up to provide a $410,000 shortfall, this flight service would not be possible. Our economy will get a huge boost as a result.”

Trust House, Wairarapa Building Society and Carterton District Council contributed to the airport upgrade project. Masterton District Council contributed $870,000.

With the ability to fly into Masterton, we know that the region’s wine, scenery and the chance to unwind will be welcome,” Mr Daniell said. “And those with business arrangements in Auckland or offshore now have a direct link which does not involve a 4am start to catch a plane to Auckland from either Palmerston North or Wellington. Instead it’s just a few minutes drive to an airport where parking is free and the queues short. Barely an hour later and you’re there.”

Destination Wairarapa Marketing Manager Barbara Hyde said the new service would be a boon for the region.

“This new direct air link will give Aucklanders easy access to Wairarapa, at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.  With its reputation as a producer of premium wines Wairarapa is well established as a popular weekend break destination for Wellingtonians,” she said.  “There is so much to discover, alongside the fantastic wine and food, while staying in luxury lodges and cottage retreats. Wairarapa is home to Martinborough Wine Village, the country village of Greytown with its metropolitan style, rugged coastlines with lighthouses, and internationally renowned Richmond Garden.”

Mr Kerr said he was proud that Eagle Air was able to extend its regional operations despite the very tough economic climate. The airline was committed to doing its bit to stimulate regional travel and tourism, he said.

“Last year we launched our Whakatane-Wellington service which has been a huge success. We’ve been blown away by the enthusiastic response we’ve had from the Wairarapa region and look forward to building a strong new route between Masterton and Auckland over the coming months.”

“The Air New Zealand Group would also like to thank the Masterton District Council and the local authorities with whom they and we have worked for their commitment to establishing a commercial air service into the region.”

Mr Kerr says there are a number of private and public sector businesses in Masterton with strong connections in Auckland and elsewhere on the New Zealand network, and feedback to the new service from business travellers has been very positive.

“The new schedule has been designed primarily to meet the needs of business customers, with a 7.05am departure from Masterton and an early evening return service. We will also be offering a service departing Masterton on Friday evenings to suit customers looking to spend the weekend in Auckland.”

Lead-in online fares between Masterton and Auckland begin from $105 one way per person and are available for purchase on www.airnewzealand.co.nz

The following schedule is effective 16 February 2009:

                                                Departs           Arrives             Days

Masterton-Auckland                0705                0820                Monday-Friday

Auckland-Masterton                1830                1945                Sunday-Thursday

Auckland-Masterton                1900                2015                Friday only

Masterton-Auckland                2030                2145                Friday only

ENDS

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