Travellers Pay While Government Ponders

Labour indecision on the future shape of Air New Zealand is costing the economy and hitting travellers in the hip pocket according to National’s Transport spokesman Roger Sowry.

“While Government officials weigh up the pros and cons of a Qantas bid to buy into Air New Zealand, the likes of Virgin Blue is turning its back on this country.”

“The likely competitor to a combined Air New Zealand Qantas operation now says it won’t be used to appease regulators concerned about the lack of competition,” says Mr Sowry.

Virgin Blue’s commercial head David Huttner’s been reported as saying that its plans to fly across the Tasman remain, but it’s making no commitments until the details of the deal between Qantas and Air New Zealand are known.

“Until Paul Swain tells us what’s in store for the national carrier, air travellers will continue to pay the price for the lack of competition,” says Mr Sowry.

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