Freedom Air’s Fifth Aircraft Takes To The Skies

10 December 2004

Freedom Air’s Fifth Aircraft Takes To The Skies

Freedom Air’s fifth aircraft will make its inaugural flight on Monday December 13, 2004, increasing the low cost, low fare airline’s fleet by 25%.

The Boeing 737 will fly between Freedom Air’s New Zealand ports and Australia’s Gold Coast and Brisbane to cover increased services on these routes.

Freedom Air sales and marketing manager Rachel Gardiner says the increase in fleet size is a reflection of Freedom Air’s growth in its New Zealand, Australian and Fijian markets.

“We’re pleased that our traffic numbers are increasing and, as a result, we are introducing another aircraft, enabling us to offer additional services and meet increased demand.”

“Our operating model means we are constantly assessing our routes against customer demand to ensure we’re offering the right services and frequency. For now, this aircraft will be winging its way to warmer Queensland destinations and bringing our Ozzie relatives back across the ditch for a Kiwi Christmas.”

The Boeing, which is leased until December 2005, will be replaced in a year as part of Freedom’s switch to a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.

This has meant that while the aircraft will wear Freedom Air livery, its fuselage will remain white – a condition of the lease agreement with GECAS, a subsidiary of major US aircraft engine manufacturer General Electric.

From next week, the fleet will comprise two yellow aircraft and three white aircraft. But Gardiner says the arrival of the new A320 will mean that by mid 2006, Freedom’s fleet will be completely yellow.

“But the most compelling reason for moving to the A320s means we will be able to offer more seats on each flight. The Airbuses have 168 seat capacity compared to a 142 seat configuration in the 737s,” says Gardiner.

The first A320 will begin flying in June 2005, with a new aircraft joining the fleet every two months.

ENDS

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