12 November, 2014
Media Release: For Immediate release
Air NZ’s announcement of cuts to regional network
In response to Air NZ’s recent media release that flights from Kaitaia to Auckland and Whangarei to Wellington will be cut from April 2015, the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland would like to make the following response.
Ryan Welsh, NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland’s President says “The Chamber believes this is a disappointing development as travel by air adds a strategically significant benefit to business in Northland. Ideally we don’t want to see the loss of any of these types of services. Air NZ have looked at their balance sheet, seen that it is not economic, so have made the cuts. This now gives greater relevance to further development and growth of good broadband and roading to, and in the North. There is also opportunity for other providers of air services to step in where Air NZ were. These cuts should mean an overall reduction in the cost of the remaining services provided which should flow through to users. This has been pitched at 15% as an average but hopefully this ends up being a minimum saving overall with an additional lift in the frequency of flights. I understand Air NZ will continue to work with stakeholders in the North to promote the Northland region as a destination. An important matter for our tourist industry.”
Ryan Welsh | President | NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland
021 346 395
