Air New Zealand Failing Provinces

New Zealand First is asking why Air New Zealand will buy new aeroplanes, then discount fares to fill the seats, rather than fly to provincial centres.

“It was puzzling that the airline cut services to towns, such as Westport, Kerikeri and Taupo, on the grounds it was unprofitable, but spent billions of dollars on new aircraft with more capacity than it needed on other routes,” says State Owned Enterprises Spokesperson Richard Prosser.

“They’re trading one supposedly unprofitable venture for another, and doing a great disservice to many Kiwis in rural and provincial New Zealand,” Mr Prosser said.

“As a majority state-owned operation there should be an element of public good in the decision Air New Zealand makes.

“Why is our national airline attempting to grow the discretionary side of its business ahead of providing essential services, when both courses of action will apparently impact negatively on its profitability?

“If there are going to be spare seats on spare aeroplanes, why can’t they be flown to the provinces where flights are wanted, instead of on routes that already have empty seats?”

ENDS

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