Successful Air Service Expanded

17 June 2008

Media Release

Successful Air Service Expanded

Business travellers heading north from Auckland now have more options available to them after the extension of the Salt Air (www.saltair.co.nz) service to Kerikeri airport.

Since being established in 1992 Salt Air has, until recently, largely offered scenic flights in the Bay of Islands and across Northland. In May the airline launched scheduled flights between Auckland’s North Shore and Whangarei after recognising passengers could save considerable time and money by avoiding having to travel to Auckland Airport.

“Feedback from passengers has been fantastic and that is what has encouraged us to extend the service to Kerikeri” says CEO Grant Harnish. The Whangarei services were designed to cater for people that needed a half a day for business in Northland but for whom time is at a premium. Rather than fly from Auckland Airport they are able to board the new 11-seater aircraft at North Shore Airfield saving on taxi fares, parking costs, time and the hassle of traveling across the city.

In addition to attracting existing airline passengers, Salt Air has uncovered a whole new market. They are the North Shore or CBD based business travellers that were used to having to drive over two hours to conduct their business only to have to repeat the trip home at the end of the day.

“With increasing fuel prices for vehicles, our scheduled flights have become exceptionally competitive as far as prices are concerned” says Harnish. Add to that the 25 minute flight time to and 10 minute check in to Whangarei; boarding Salt Air makes a lot of sense. Salt Air’s online no checked bags fare of $119.00 each way to Whangarei and $149 to Kerikeri is lower than many of those offered by Air New Zealand.

CDB passengers have the added benefit of a free shuttle service from Britomart that is licensed to travel on the new Northern Busway. With time and fuel two significant expenses for any business traveller the Salt Air services make good business sense. The extension of services to Kerikeri can only make trips north of Whangarei even more economical. North Shore passengers can use the free shuttle service to/from Smales Farm.

While business passengers are the main users of the Salt Air services, those looking for a weekend escape in the Bay of Islands can catch the shuttle leaving Britomart at 4:15pm on Friday and dropped back at 8:30am Monday morning ready to start a new working week. Full details of flights, prices and conditions are available at www.saltair.co.nz

For more information contact Gavin Hazelden 021 799 644

ENDS

© Scoop Media