06 January 2015

Air NZ Code share with other domestic airlines??? I don't think so!!!

This from Kaitaia's Northland Age. Among other things the mayors are looking for the government "to support the mayors' efforts to persuade Air New Zealand to enter reciprocal agreements (code share) with other internal airlines to allow passengers connecting to Air New Zealand flights to take advantage of discounted fares." There are a couple of problems with the logic here... 
Have a read... see what you think


"Positive and constructive" was Mayor John Carter's verdict after a discussion with Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key last week on the subject of provincial air services and regional development. Mr Carter, his counterparts from Whakatane, Opotiki, Masterton and Buller, and Far North Holdings chief executive Andy Nock, met Mr Key at the Beehive to discuss Air New Zealand's decision to withdraw air services at Kaitaia, Whakatane, Masterton and Westport, asking that the government consider a number of proposals aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the provincial airports and scheduled flights that were needed for the regions to "succeed. Our discussions with Air New Zealand have been positive to date, but there are a number of issues that we need the support of the government with so our endeavours are successful," Mr Carter said. The meeting with Mr Key had been very positive, and the mayors were grateful that he had made time to meet with them at a busy time of the year. "We were well-received, and he impressed us with his knowledge and understanding of the issues we came to discuss," he said. He had been receptive to the idea of providing a guaranteed minimum investment of six years at airports jointly owned by local authorities and the Ministry of Transport, and was happy for the mayors to discuss the possibility of bringing airports up to certification standards with his ministers. The government would also support the mayors' efforts to persuade Air New Zealand to enter reciprocal agreements (code share) with other internal airlines to allow passengers connecting to Air New Zealand flights to take advantage of discounted fares. Mr Key encouraged the Mayors to continue the discussion with Economic Development Minister Stephen Joyce, Finance Minister Bill English, Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Local Government Minister Paula Bennett. The mayors also raised their concerns about the potential for Air New Zealand to use pricing tactics to compete with airlines that introduced services at Kaitaia and elsewhere, Mr Carter saying they intended to continue these discussions with ministers and the airline. "The wider issue here is regional development and how the local government sector can partner with the government to realise New Zealand's economic potential." he added.



4 comments:

  1. Agreed! Will never happen. It would be great, beneficial to smaller airlines, but unfortunately Air NZ will never go for it. Think the biggest issue these new smaller operators face is throughfare connections. Say if i want to fly from Whakatane to Christchurch. I would have to book WHK-AKL with a 3rd level operator, pick up my baggage, recheckin with NZ or JQ, then fly to CHC. Such a hassel, especially for the older generation. Easier to drive to Rotorua or Tauranga and then fly direct or indirect to CHC with Air NZ. Cheaper and just easier. Rumor has it Sunair will charge in excess of $300+ for a AKL-WHK or WHK-AKL flights. That is a load of money.

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  2. Kaitaia has selected a replacement to start in April.

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    1. Sorry but what do you mean "Kaitaia has selected a replacement"? Are the Far North council about to subsidise a commercial air transport operation?

      I am sure that anyone has the right to start an operation to lose money without being "selected".

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