Arrival of Pacific Blue Good News for Wellington

Arrival of Pacific Blue is Good News for Wellington Economy

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the arrival of Pacific Blue onto New Zealand domestic air routes particularly as a much needed carrier to Wellington.

“Pacific Blue’s entry will enhance competition, lower fares and increase the opportunities to fly into and out of the city,” said Chamber CEO, Charles Finny.

“It will increase the numbers of visitors to Wellington providing a boost to the Wellington economy – not least the tourism industry. Enhanced competition and more flights should also increase Wellington businesses and other travellers’ ability to travel around the country more cost effectively. Suppliers of services to the airlines will also benefit from the increased flights.

“For too long competition on domestic flights has been limited. Wellington is likely to be particularly advantaged by the announcement as there is currently a lack of competition into and out of the city relative to other centres. For example currently there is no effective competition on the Wellington – Christchurch route.

“We hope that Pacific Blue’s operations will eventually extend beyond the main trunk to other parts of the country as well as trans-Tasman flights to and from Wellington.

“We are very impressed with the fare structure announced today by Pacific Blue. This will not only lower costs for travellers but offer the potential to grow the market for both tourists and business travellers.

“We are particularly encouraged by Air New Zealand’s positive response to the arrival of new competition and its intentions to review its domestic operations. We are sure that Qantas will also be responding to this development.

“We congratulate Wellington Airport for the role it has played in making this development happen.

“Competition on air routes is the best way to deliver cost effective customer services and is also ultimately in the best interests of the airlines. Improved transportation links are crucial to the growth of the Wellington and New Zealand economies”, Mr Finny concluded.

ENDS

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