Air New Zealand Reaffirms Commitment To Hawke’s Bay Amid Rising Costs And Flight Disruptions

Air New Zealand has recently come under the spotlight nationwide, with customers voicing frustration over increased ticket prices and concerns that air travel is becoming less affordable compared to pre-pandemic levels.

This week, the Air New Zealand Board, led by Dame Therese Walsh, Independent Non-Executive Director, visited Hawke’s Bay as part of their ongoing commitment to connect with regional communities.

When questioned about fare increases, Dame Therese Walsh explained that airline operating costs have surged by 50% over the past five years, driven by factors largely outside the airline’s control. She noted that on many flights to and from Napier, Air NZ is not recovering its full costs. Dame Therese explained that as New Zealand’s flagship carrier and a publicly listed company, the airline must balance community expectations with the need for commercial sustainability. She encouraged passengers to book early to secure the best available fares.

Flight delays and cancellations were also a key topic. Dame Therese highlighted initiatives such as ‘Departure 0’, which aims to ensure the first flights of the day depart on time, helping to minimise disruptions throughout the network. While some delays are unavoidable due to weather or bird strikes, Air NZ is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and other innovations to improve reliability and efficiency in the coming years.

The Board acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by global supply chain pressures, which continue to impact everything from aircraft parts to maintenance schedules.

Napier remains the second busiest regional airport in New Zealand after Nelson, handling approximately 150 weekly flights and around 630,000 passengers annually. Hawke’s Bay is a home base for 30 pilots, 30 cabin crew, and two engineers.

The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Airport, proudly hosted the Air New Zealand Board during their visit. This engagement is part of Air New Zealand’s broader mission to stay connected with regional communities and support local businesses and tourism.

Air New Zealand and Hawke’s Bay share a vision for growth. At the leadership breakfast session, business leaders expressed a strong desire for partnership with Air New Zealand to support ongoing and sustainable economic development.

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