Waikato Regional Airport
Media Release

April 2009

Final Flight - Air New Zealand's last international service out of Hamilton

The last Air New Zealand trans-Tasman flight from Hamilton International Airport will take place later today.

The final flight from Hamilton to Brisbane is scheduled for departure at 3.15pm, arriving at Brisbane Airport at 5.05pm.

Airport Chief Executive Chris Doak says that while the Airport is very disappointed to see the services being discontinued, the company recognises the involvement and contribution Air New Zealand has made to the region for over a decade with their international services.

"It has been approximately 15 years since international operations started at HIA, and however disappointing the suspension of the flights is to the airport and region, we must honour and celebrate the history, investment, and joint success that has transpired over many years of our collective international operations with Air New Zealand." said Mr Doak.

During their time the international flights created employment for Waikato residents and helped drive the region's economic growth, with $80million being attributed to the direct and indirect impact of international services from HIA.

"The Airport wishes to express its thanks to Air New Zealand and all of the staff and companies that have made the international services successful and viable over this period." Mr Doak said.

Air New Zealand has been flying internationally from Hamilton for nearly 15 years, first with the airline's subsidiary Freedom brand and recently with the Air New Zealand brand.

In looking forward Mr Doak said that the Waikato's proven international market, significant population and wealthy economy, together with the right regional tourism proposition forms an attractive package for a low cost international airline.

ENDS

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