Air New Zealand plans first night flights into Queenstown

Air New Zealand will begin night flights to Queenstown in July, pending regulatory approval. Photo: Chris McLennan

Air New Zealand is poised to begin its first-ever night flights in and out of Queenstown Airport in July, in time for the ski season at the popular South Island destination.

The night flights, at present are only planned between Auckland and Queenstown with A320 aircraft, remain subject to regulatory approval. Air NZ has decided against trans-Tasman night flights for the time being given the Queenstown flights connect to international flights from its main hub in Auckland.

We believe our proposed Queenstown schedule will be a game-changer for international travellers in particular.

Cam Wallace

Overall, the night flights will help grow Air NZ's capacity between Auckland and Queenstown by 15 per cent in the financial year beginning July 1.

Queenstown Airport is spending $NZ17 million ($15.7 million) to widen its runway and install new lighting to allow for the new flights after New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority in 2014 approved the safety case for the flights provided the airport infrastructure was properly upgraded.

Individual airlines also need to meet set criteria relating to fleet and operating procedures. Air NZ chief flight operations and safety officer Captain David Morgan said his airline had been working with pilots, safety teams and its unions to finalise a thorough safety case that would be submitted to the regulator in the near future.

Air NZ chief sales and commercial officer Cam Wallace said the night schedule, which includes a last departure for Auckland at 7:30pm in winter, would provide better choice and flexibility for travellers.

"We believe our proposed Queenstown schedule will be a game-changer for international travellers in particular with same day connections as well as reduced connection times both to and from a range of destinations across Australia, Asia and North America," he said.

The new flights will go on sale by early next week.

Jetstar, the only other carrier between Auckland and Queenstown, has yet to say whether it will launch night flights domestically or across the Tasman. Qantas and

January 27, 2016

Jamie Freed

Senior Reporter

New airlines break Nelson visitor records

Passenger numbers have increased at Nelson Airport with the arrival of new airlines. "Extraordinary" growth in air travel over the past year has seen record breaking numbers through Nelson Airport and an additional 400 flights in and out of the terminal each week.

The number of airlines in Nelson have doubled in the past year with six now flying to seven different destinations across New Zealand. There was an additional 30,000 passengers in 2015 compared to five years ago. The new airlines include Jetstar, Originair and Kiwi Regional.

Passenger numbers rose 18 per cent in December 2015 compared to December 2014 with 80,210 people passing through the terminal, said Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans.

"December was a record breaking month for the airport ... people visiting the airport would have noticed this increase in flights as the terminal and carpark have been extremely busy over the last few months," he said.

The airport has employed a new terminal supervisor Simon Trillo in a bid to keep up with the growth, Evans said.

Jetstar's service between Auckland and Nelson, introduced in December, was met with enthusiasm from the public. Its first two direct flights from Nelson to Wellington are set to take off on Monday and are also looking promising, said spokesperson Phil Boeyen.

He said Nelson was the airline's busiest regional port with seven flights to Auckland and Wellington each day.

"The bookings are looking good, Auckland has had really high loads," he said.

In a Rotary speech on Wednesday, Nelson MP Nick Smith said the increase in passenger numbers was good, but the airport facilities were inadequate to keep up with demand.

He said annual passenger numbers through the airport had grown from 150,000 per year in 1990 to more than 750,000 in 2015. The number was likely to hit 1 million by 2020.

"People's first experience in Nelson currently is an over-crowded airport. This risks eroding our brand as a lifestyle centre where people can relax away from the hassles and crowds of big cities," he said.

He would make working with the Airport Company and the Nelson and Tasman District Councils a key priority for 2016, he said.

Kiwi Regional Airlines (KRA) chief executive Ewan Wilson said Nelson had been a key destination for the company, which also flies to Hamilton and Dunedin.

He said Nelson was at the centre of their upcoming expansion plans.

"We start our Tauranga to Nelson service next month and immediately the Nelson flights started to sell like hot cakes," he said.

He indicated the company was about to make further announcements that would involve Nelson.

"There might be a further step this year to add additional flying [to KRA] yet again - that will revolve around Nelson," he said.

"In the next couple of weeks we will start an overnight airplane service in Nelson on a Saturday night - we'll have the ability to operate a lot of charters out of Nelson and other exciting operations ahead."

The increase in passenger numbers have been reflected in visitor counts in the region, benefiting businesses.

Mapua's Cool Store Gallery owner Tricia Morrison said she had noticed a "huge" influx of customers, particularly North Islanders, since the launch of the new airlines.

"It's just made Nelson so accessible now ... you can just come down for a weekend as a family or in a group, I've noticed there's been lots of people like that in the gallery and I've been there 16 years," she said.

She noted that air fares had dropped considerably since the new airlines had arrived which had a "huge influence on people".

BY THE NUMBERS

Passengers through Nelson airport

2015: 764,050 +3 per cent

2014: 744,416 -3 per cent

2013: 765,266  +2 per cent

2012: 748,888 +2 per cent

2011: 734,835

 - Stuff

Woman busted with methamphetamine at Nelson Airport

A woman carrying more than an ounce of methamphetamine on a flight from Auckland to Nelson was arrested by police at the airport. The 36-year-old woman, who was travelling alone, was arrested at the airport on Sunday, police said.

The amount seized would have an estimated street value of $28,000.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnston said the arrest came as the result of police investigations into the supply of the drug in the region.

The woman is to appear in the Nelson District Court today charged with possessing methamphetamine for supply and offering to sell methamphetamine.

Stuff

Last updated 13:40, January 25 2016

Singapore Airlines confirms Wellington-Canberra flights

The new flights will be operated using 266-seat retrofitted Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Photo / Wikimedia Commons - mailer_diablo Singapore Airlines has just confirmed it will start flying between Wellington and Canberra, launching in September.

The airline will link the two cities for the first time with a four times a week service that will fly on to Singapore.

It is the first time the two Australasian cities have been linked and is a coup for both as they expand international operations.

Singapore Airlines has dubbed the service the "Capital Express" and it is aimed at the lucrative government and corporate market more likely to fly in business class seats and the leisure market, particularly Kiwis who want to connect with the airline's network in Asia.

The new flights will be operated using 266-seat retrofitted Boeing 777-200 aircraft, that has 38 business class seats and 228 economy class seats.

Singapore Airlines executive vice president commercial, Mak Swee Wah, said his airline was "extremely proud" to be the first airline to provide non-stop flights between the New Zealand and Australian capital cities.

"New Zealand is a very important part of our global route network and is a popular destination for visitors from around the globe. New Zealanders are also renowned worldwide for their enthusiasm for travel," he said.

Although Wellington Airport has plans to extend its runway by 300m as part of a plan to attract long haul flights with aircraft such as the Boeing 777, at least two of those planes have landed at the airport previously.

Airport company chief executive Steve Sanderson said the announcement marked an historic day for Wellington.

Wellington's connections will be greatly improved, and travellers will be able to stay on the same widebody plane all the way to Singapore and connect onwards to Asia, Europe and other parts of the world from their award winning global hub, Changi Airport.

Tickets for the new service, which is subject to regulatory approval, will be on sale from next Monday, with fares from $1808 for Wellington-Singapore return and $587 for Wellington Canberra return.

Singapore Airlines' fleet of more than 100 aircraft flies to 60 destinations in 33 countries and it currently operates 14 round-trip flights from Auckland and Christchurch to Singapore a week.

With the addition of the Canberra service it will also be the first time a non trans-Tasman carrier has operated to more than two points in New Zealand.

Wellington Airport has 100,000 flights and almost six million travellers a year. This number is expected to reach 10 million by 2030.

- NZ Herald

10:01 AM Wednesday Jan 20, 2016

Grant Bradley

Aviation, tourism and energy writer for the Business Herald

Kiwi Air to test Taupo interest

Kiwi Air has its sights on Taupo with a test flight next week set to gauge interest in the route.

Taupo air travellers sighed in relief when their council signed a six-year deal with Sounds Air last year.

The success of the Marlborough based airline, which filled the Taupo-Wellington route abandoned by Air New Zealand, along with Taupo's growth, is now being closely watched by another air operator- Hamilton-based Kiwi Regional Airlines.

Kiwi Regional Airlines chief executive Ewan Wilson is has been in talks with the Taupo Airport about providing Taupo flights.

Kiwi Regional Airlines chief executive Ewan Wilson said nothing has been "set in concrete" but the Hamilton based-airline has been in talks with the Taupo Airport about providing Taupo flights.

It already flies between Hamilton, Dunedin, Nelson, and Tauranga.

Next Wednesday the airline will be breaking into its regular Dunedin-Nelson-Hamilton scheduled service to run it's first charter by whisking American rock legends Huey Lewis & The News into Taupo for the Summer Concert Tour.

The airline is offering $29 seats from Taupo to Hamilton on the same day (12.45pm).

Wilson said the charter would be used as a way of gauging the level of interest in providing more regular Taupo flights.

"[We're] excited to be flying into Taupo for the first, and hopefully not the last time," he said.

"We have often looked at Taupo and although we don't have any long-term plans set in concrete it is fair to say we are constantly reviewing and looking at how other airports fit with our future business model. Taupo is definitely on that list."

He said the airline was not interested in going head to head with other providers

Taupo mayor David Trewavas said having more Taupo flights would bring more benefits to the region.

"The airport is completely open to anyone as long as they meet aviation and the airport's requirements so it is very good news," he said.

"Our regional growth is substantial at the moment and there has been a lot of interest from people wanting to visit so this could have a significant impact on tourism."

Trewavas said the Sounds Air service, which provides at least three return flights each weekday and two return flight on Saturday and Sunday, had been well received.

Despite the council agreeing to guarantee the first three seats on each flight it hadn't needed to.

"Everyone that flies on it raves about it," he said.

To book on the one-off flight visit flykiwiair.co.nz or phone 07 444 5020.

 - Stuff

LUKE KIRKEBY

Last updated 09:20, January 22 2016

Airlines help boost tourism

 Nelson Airport has recorded a dramatic 23 per cent increase in the number of passengers flying in and out of the region, helping fuel the region’s bumper tourism season.Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans says the passenger numbers jumped by 16,000, from 67,293 in December 2014 to 83,261 in December 2015 – a new record for the airport.

It’s on the back of three new airlines operating to the region and it’s having a wide impact, with representatives from tourism, retail, food and accommodation sectors all saying it’s been the best tourism summer for years.

Nelson Tasman Tourism chief executive Lynda Keene says that “Nelson is shining,” and has received nothing but positive feedback from all sectors.

“Despite a bit of rain, it’s going fantastic – it’s been bumper season so far.”

She says the city and retail area are “absolutely buzzing,” and foot traffic at Nelson i-SITE was up 15 per cent this summer, which indicates that there have been more visitors to the region, and numbers are already tracking ahead for January.

“We’ve had visitors from all countries around the world. We’re really lucky with the Mapua and Kaiteriteri developments, which have also been very busy.”

She says the launch of new airlines Jetstar, Originair and Kiwi Regional Air in 2015 has definitely made an impact on tourist numbers this summer.

Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail has also proved to be a popular summer attraction, with trail counters recording 13,000 users during the 11 day Christmas and New Year period compared with 9000 for the previous year.

Chair of the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trust Gillian Wratt says Kaiteriteri is a particularly popular section, with user numbers tripling, compared with this period 12 months ago.

“The whole thing is ticking over nicely and businesses along the cycle trail are reaping the benefits.”

Nicky McBride of Wheelie Fantastic, located at Mapua, says they’ve had a big increase of international cyclists.

“We expect numbers to continue to grow. It is our fifth season and it is shaping up to be our busiest.”

Tahuna Beach Holiday Park general manager Marcel Fekkes says that they have been “totally chocca,” and it’s the first time in years that they’ve had to turn people away.

“It’s definitely busier than last year,” he says. “We’ve had an influx of international visitors this year, and a lot more walking traffic too – people have been wandering in asking for sites.”

Motel Association of New Zealand Nelson branch administration officer John Gilbertson says the region’s motels have also been busy of the statutory break, but says it’s too early to tell what the season in total is going to be like.

“It’s been going well, and we’ve been busy so far,” he says. “We are predicting that the new airlines will make a difference.”

The Abel Tasman National Park is also proving to be a hot spot, with a surge of both international and kiwi visitors this summer.

Brendan Alborn, owner of Abel Tamsan Aqua taxi says they have been busier than year, which he puts down to a combination of the New Zealand dollar being weak, better promotion from the tourism sector, and more kiwis out and about doing activities and spending more.

“It’s been a fantastic season,” he says. “There have just been so many people around. The season started early and kicked on – it’s been crazy.”

He says the recent rain hasn’t made any impact on business either.

“People tend to either guts the rain out, or pay attention to the forecast,” he says. “After a rainy day we’ll be inundated with people, so it averages out.”

Vic Brew Bar general manager Phil Williams says the bar had an earlier start to the season and that his staff have noticed more overseas tourists this year.

And it seems the good times may not be coming to an end just yet. Lynda says winter is also shaping up to be busy, especially with the arrival of Jetstar’s Nelson to Wellington flights and the return of some events, such as Light Nelson.

“Were in really good shape, and it’s looking to be a better winter than last year.”

Rob Evans says he’s been stuck by the how many people are in the airport throughout the day. “It’s just the consistency of it. We’re busy from the moment we open up at 6am right through to the last flight. It gets a bit cosy in here at times but it’s a good news story that shows the confidence in the region.”

He says car rentals at the airport have also had a record month.

Nelson Live/ Nelson Weekly

Kate Russell

January 20th, 2016 10:52 am

Nelson collector finds historic letter opener at Salvation Army store

It has been discovered the silver aircraft opener was made by the late silversmith Jens Hansen as a gift for the then Prime Minister Bill Rowling to mark the opening of the Nelson Airport Terminal in 1975.

A savvy collector's thrift store purchase has recovered a piece of Nelson's history just two weeks after it parted ways with its original owner.

Owner of Hardy St shop Cubicle Kim Brice found the sterling silver letter opener made by Nelson jeweller Jens Hansen and gifted to then-prime minister Bill Rowling at the 1975 opening of a Nelson Airport terminal building in the Vanguard St Salvation Army store.

Brice, who briefly worked for Jens Hansen 1985, said he said he immediately recognised the jeweller's stamp on the aeroplane-shaped opener, which he purchased for $125.

Kim Brice, left, and Hafdan Hansen with the letter opener found in a Salvation Army store.

He was not aware of its history and former ownership.

"Anyone else could have got it and put it on TradeMe so I feel pretty privileged," Brice said.

He called Jens' son Hafdan Hansen who said he never saw the item at the time of its commission but recognised it from old photographs.

Jens Hansen with silver letter opener he crafted for former prime minister Bill Rowling in 1975

"I knew instantly then they said 'letter opener' and I went straight to the scrapbook."

The opener was donated to the Salvation Army two weeks ago when Lady Glen Rowling downsized to move into a Milton St retirement home.

Her son Carl Rowling said he was delighted the opener had come into Brice's hands rather than falling into "the clutches of obscurity".

Nelson Provincial Museum Collection

Former prime minister Bill Rowling, second from right, at the 1975 opening of Nelson Airport Terminal.

"There's a long connection between our two families. We went to Waimea College together and both our families used to holiday in Kaiteriteri together.

"We were always very conscious of Jens' work so I suspect that if anyone had known what it was that it wouldn't have been thrown out. Unfortunately it got caught up in that and ended up as a wonderful donation to the Salvation Army."

Hansen said the piece was commissioned at a time when his father, 15 years deceased, was "at the height of his national fame", having been awarded a Queen Elizabeth II arts grant.

"I'm always proud of my dad and it just makes me remember that back then he was at the top of his game and had a place in the Nelson community.

"He moved to New Zealand in 1952 as a 12-year-old boy from Denmark. Coming [to Nelson] he wanted to be accepted so was a vote from the community when they turned to him to make that."

The opener was difficult to value given the intrinsic value of the silver used and the intangible value of its prime-ministerial ownership, he said.

Brice will display the opener in his shop, though it won't be for sale. He is considering donating it or a replica to Te Papa at a later date.

 - Stuff

ADELE REDMOND

Last updated 12:37, January 19 2016

Tourists to Nelson on the rise in bumper season

Nelson's warm sunny weather and an increase in tourists are boosting sales and bringing a buzz to the city.

While a couple of rainy days over New Years threatened sales at the Saturday market, stall holders say tourists have continued to pack out the market every week.

"There's definitely a lot more tourists around, they come in waves," said Abstrax.on Textiles stallholder Louise Neilson.

She said things were only going to get better from here given that there were still a few warm months to come.

Echo Echo stall holder Lyn Watkins said tourist numbers had picked up at the market and cheaper flights in and out of the region could be a contributing factor.

"I've seen a few more Aucklanders... for a lot of people at the market we need to be busy December through to March before winter. It's good to have them about," he said.

While Nelson Tasman Tourism was yet to receive specific statistics on the tourist count to Nelson this summer, chief executive Lynda Keene said feedback from across all industries had been positive.

She said foot traffic at Nelson i-SITE was up 15 per cent this summer which was a good indicator that more tourists were coming to the region.

"The people that come through the door reflect the people going out and spending funds."

She said the new airlines that launched in Nelson over 2015 were factors in contributing to the increase.

"Jetstar, Originair and Kiwi Regional have really helped us make a profile of the region, we're now getting a broader reach into different parts of the world," she said.

With the impending launch of the Jetstar Nelson to Wellington service and the return of popular winter events including Light Nelson, the bumper season looked set to continue long into 2016, said Keene.

"We're anticipating a better winter in 2016. It was a bit flat last winter... we are in good shape," she said.

Tasman's Great Taste Trail has also proved to be a drawcard for visitors, with trail counters showing a 19 per cent increase in users over 2015.

A total of 224,000 people used the trail over the year, said Nelson Tasman Cycle Trust chair Gillian Wratt.

Over the 11 day Christmas and New Year period trail counters showed 13,000 people used the trail, well up from the 9000 counted in the previous year.

Hot spot Kaiteriteri also tripled its user numbers over the same period this year.

"The whole thing is ticking over nicely and businesses along the cycle trail are reaping the benefits," said Wratt.

Nicky McBride of Wheelie Fantastic in Mapua said there had been a noticeable increase in international cyclists.

"We expect numbers to continue to grow. It is our fifth season and it is shaping up to be our busiest," McBride said.

Nelson Economic Development Agency chief executive Bill Findlater said the Nelson region was stacking up well against other regions in New Zealand as the summer months brought in an influx of visitors.

"It's been a really good summer for us I think for the whole region... it just has a really good feel about it," he said.

Uniquely Nelson manager Simon Duffy said feedback from retailers in the city had been positive and things were set to get busier with the Trafalgar Street Market Day event at the end of January where he was expecting more than 8,000 people to attend.

"All the stalls are sold out and in conjunction with the buskers it's looking great," he said.

 - Stuff

JESS PULLAR

Last updated 08:08, January 18 2016

Airport security staff may strike

Airport security staff are considering a nationwide strike after being told they are losing an allowance worth $2100 a year.

Aviation security officers say they are being worked to the bone, and to make matters worse, their latest contract offer takes away the valuable transport allowance.

It is a highly unionised work force - 85 percent of 800 staff - and collectively represented by the Public Service Association, E Tū, and the National Union of Public Employees.

Listen to more on Summer Report ( 2 min 55 sec )

The PSA's Wellington organiser, George Laird, said losing the allowance would feel like a "kick in the teeth".

The allowance was the same for all employees, no matter their role.

"It's a small amount of money to recompense them for their daily travel to the airport at all hours of the day, and some people will say other companies don't provide it, but we really see the loss of the allowance as a pay drop... it makes up part of a person's overall salary," he said.

But group manager of Aviation Security Services Karen Urwin said a fair buyout offer had been made.

"Many other organisations have been through this and very few still have a transport allowance. I should also add we pay for our own staff parking at the airport," she said.

The unions voted to strike at the end of last year but decided against it due to the Christmas rush.

Mr Laird said if members were to walk off the job, flights would be cancelled and there would be a nationwide standstill.

Ms Urwin hoped it would not come to that.

"We have an amazing workforce that works damn hard and I'd be really disappointed if things ended up with a strike, but we have contingency plans in place and we'd manage to the point where the public wouldn't see any difference."

Mr Laird said the unions would also rather settle a deal than strike, which would be the first in more than two decades.

But another issue employees want resolved was an increase in workload, especially in Auckland where 730,000 passengers - the highest ever - were screened last month.

"There's stress and if you go out to Wellington airport where there's limited screening, you'll often see queues going right back," he said.

Ms Urwin said the service was currently reviewing its staffing levels and increases could be made.

No aviation security officers were able to talk to RNZ because it would breach a confidentiality clause in their contract.

Radio New Zealand News

Updated at 8:39 am 15 January 2016

Max Towle, Employment Reporter - @maxbentleytowle

Singapore Airlines could soon land in Wellington, via Australia's capital

One of the world's most prestigious airlines could soon be landing in Wellington, with Singapore Airlines expected to launch a new jumbo service between the trans-Tasman capital cities.

After months of negotiations, the airline is expected to announce a new Airbus A330 service between Canberra and Wellington on January 20, tied to a new Canberra-Singapore service.

Wellington Airport, the Wellington City Council and Singapore Airlines all declined to confirm the new route on Tuesday, after news broke across the Tasman.

"I'm aware of the media reports but at this stage its speculation and there's nothing new to say," Wellington deputy mayor Justin Lester said.

READ MORE: Wellington Airport's runway extension could pump $2b into the economy

"We are regularly talking to airlines. We are interested in improving connectivity to Wellington and would welcome any future initiative, should it eventuate."

The wide-body aircraft is expected to fly to Wellington four times a week, adding more than 1000 seats a week across the Tasman and on to Asia.

It will be the first direct scheduled service between Canberra and any New Zealand city, with the Australian capital's residents currently required to travel to Sydney or Melbourne to cross the Tasman.

This raises the prospect that Aucklanders wanting to travel to Canberra may start choosing to fly via Wellington, rather than transferring from the international to domestic terminals in Sydney.

Direct flights would also open up an attractive new tourism market. With a population of less than 400,000, Canberra is much smaller than Sydney and Melbourne, but its residents are the best paid in Australia

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average earnings in ACT in May 2015 were A$88,764 (NZ$94,462) a year, A$11,000 more than the national average.

The new route is likely to bolster supporters of a plan to extend Wellington Airport's runway, as a sign of international demand to land in the capital.

Shareholders in the airport, Infratil and the Wellington City Council, have indicated that the $300 million project to extend the runway by 354 metres would need cash from central government for it to go ahead.

Air New Zealand, which has a code-sharing agreement with Singapore Airlines, is expected to support the new route, but opposes the extension of the airport.

The Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand, which represents 21 airlines that operate in this country, including Singapore Airlines, has also expressed concerns about the viability of extending Wellington Airport's runway.

Executive director John Beckett said the fact that flying an Airbus A330 into and out of Wellington was being talked about showed other international routes were possible, without the expense of extending the runway.

Aviation commentator Peter Clark said some would see the move as proof that airlines were interested in flying long-haul to Wellington should the runway be extended, but it was worth keeping things in perspective.

"This is still only a trans-tasman flight," he said. "I  don't think we'll be seeing a rush of airlines into Wellington."

It would be interesting to see what incentives Wellington Airport had offered Singapore Airlines, and how high ticket prices would have to be to justify the route.

FIVE REASONS TO VISIT CANBERRA

1. The Australian War Memorial: It chronicles the involvement of Australia's troops in war, from the colonial period to the present. Ranked second on Trip Advisor's 2015 Top 10 Australian landmarks.

2. Parliament House: See Australian democracy in action, or simply check on who the latest prime minister is.

3. Art galleries: Dotted across the city, including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery.

4. The Deep Space Communication Complex:  The nearby Tidbinbilla valley is dominated by giant antenna dishes that communicate with spacecraft exploring planets hundreds of millions of kilometres away.

5. Foliage: Canberra is home to the National Arboretum, devoted to growing trees for conservation, scientific research and educational purposes. It features 48,000 trees.

 - Stuff

HAMISH RUTHERFORD AND MICHAEL FORBES

Last updated 20:50, January 12 2016

AirAsia confirms Auckland to Gold Coast route

AirAsia has confirmed it is returning to New Zealand with daily flights from Auckland to the Gold Coast with introductory $99 one way flights. AirAsia X, the medium and long-haul operation of the AirAsia brand, will fly Kuala Lumpur to Auckland via the Gold Coast using an A330-300 with the first flight taking off from Auckland on March 22.

It is also offering limited one way flights from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur via the Gold Coast in Queensland for $249 for travel between March 22 and February 5, 2017.

Tickets go on sale at 5am Wednesday until January 24 or until sold out.

The low cost carrier last launched scheduled services to New Zealand in April 2011 with four-times weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch, but withdrew in May 2012 to focus on Asia and Australia.

READ MORE: AirAsia resuming flights to New Zealand

AirAsia X chief executive Benyamin Ismail used his Twitter account to hint at the airline's New Zealand route last week.

There are already up to 21 flights per week between Auckland and the Gold Coast with Air New Zealand, Jetstar and Virgin Australia all servicing the route.

Air New Zealand flies an A320 up to six times a week with flights in late March starting at $656 return for seat plus bag but no meal.

Jetstar also flies an A320 up to eight times weekly with late March return flights starting at $565 for seat plus bag and meal.

Virgin Australia flies a Boeing 737 daily with return flights in late March starting at $626 for seat plus bag and meal.

Malaysia Airlines is the only other carrier with flights from Malaysia to New Zealand operating a daily nonstop service from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur using an A333.

A return flight from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur starts from $1365 including taxes.

AirAsia's A330-300 have capacity of 377 passengers and a configuration of 365 economy seats and 12 premium flatbed seats.

The aircraft also features a "quiet zone" product reserved for passengers aged 12 and older.

The flatbed seats would also be on sale from $299 one-way to Gold Coast or $599 to Kuala Lumpur.

Flight Centre product general manager Sean Berenson said the Gold Coast was one of the most popular destinations for New Zealand holiday makers.

"It is by far the most popular holiday spot for a Kiwi traveller so they've chosen a good route," Berenson said.

AirAsia would attract a wide variety of travellers, he said.

The number of passengers which continued beyond the Gold Coast onto Kuala Lumpur would depend on how good AirAsia's connections were, he said.

The AirAsia brand started in 2001 and now flies to more than 100 destinations.

Berenson said AirAsia X offered a Kuala Lumpur to London service which could prove popular for Kiwi travellers.

If the new Auckland service worked well for AirAsia it may look to launch routes from other cities in New Zealand, he said.

House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said the number of New Zealanders travelling to Queensland was expected to grow.

AirAsia would also be a big player for inbound tourism to New Zealand, he said.

 - Stuff

JOHN ANTHONY

Last updated 17:58, January 12 2016

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise on bargain-hunting; Sky TV, Westpac, Air NZ gain

New Zealand shares rose as investors were drawn to companies sold off since the New Year, such as Sky Network Television and Westpac Banking Corp, while Air New Zealand benefited from lower fuel costs. Warehouse Group and New Zealand Refining Co fell. The S&P/NZX 50 Index gained 39.52 points, or 0.7 percent, to 6151.87. Within the index, 30 stocks rose, 12 fell and eight were unchanged. Turnover was $119 million.

"Confidence was definitely knocked a bit at the start of the year by China and oil, and we're seeing a bit of the volatility we saw last year," said Robert Garden, investment adviser at Craigs Investment Partners. "Our markets held up reasonably well in light of what's been going on, but with the focus on China there are a lot of unknowns and a lot of variables at play."

Sky TV led gainers, rising 3.6 percent to $4.27. The stock had fallen 11 percent from the $4.64 reached on Dec. 29 with nine consecutive sessions of losses. It has declined from as high as $6.41 in May as increased competition from the likes of Netflix threatened subscriber numbers.

"Sky TV has bounced off a low level," Garden said. "The dividend at this point in time is quite attractive, still over 9 percent. The question is whether that's going to stay in place with big structural changes in the sector. The business model isn't broke at this point in time, but the last results announcement was the drop in subscriber numbers, and that's what the market will be looking at next time around."

The low price of oil - with Brent Crude currently sitting at $31.10 a barrel - had an impact on stocks today. Air New Zealand gained 2.2 percent to $3.015, while New Zealand Refining Co dropped 1.4 percent to $3.63.

"There's always winners and losers from a drop in the oil price," Garden said. "Air New Zealand is performing well, and oil prices looking like they're going to stay low for longer gives investors more confidence to go into that stock, as long as global demand for air travel doesn't get hit as well."

Across the Tasman, the S&P/ASX 200 Index was up 1.2 percent in afternoon trading, after a nine-day slide. Dual-listed banks gained, with Westpac Banking Corp up 2.6 percent to $33.44 and Australia & New Zealand Banking Group climbing 2.3 percent to $27.28.

Metro Performance Glass rose 1.9 percent to $1.64, Argosy Property advanced 1.7 percent to $1.17, and Freightways gained 1.6 percent to $6.27.

Warehouse Group was the worst performer on the index today, falling 1.5 percent to $2.67. The retailer has given back some of its gains, having risen 5 percent on Monday after announcing its first-half profit would be a 20 percent improvement on a year earlier.

Steel & Tube Holdings dropped 1.3 percent to $2.22, Mainfreight fell 1.3 percent to $15.06, and NZX declined 1 percent to $1.04.

Outside the benchmark index, Pushpay Holdings gained 14.5 percent to $7.25, a one-month high. The mobile payments app developer, which targets churches in the US, saw more revenue flow through its system in the final quarter of last year, and is confident of achieving its medium-term target.

Annualised committed monthly revenue (ACMR), which measures the total billings through merchants that Pushpay collects fees from, increased to $20.4 million in the three months ended Dec. 31, from $14 million in the three months ended Sept. 30.

NBR

(BusinessDesk)

13 January 2016

Air NZ faces more trans-Tasman rivalry

Air New Zealand faces increased competition on hotly contested trans-Tasman routes as cheap fuel costs encourage airlines to add capacity and new routes, and dust off older, less efficient planes, helping to drive down fares.

AirAsia is to start flying from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur via Australia's Gold Coast from March 22. Its introductory $99 fare between Auckland and the Gold Coast has sold out for March 22 and is selling fast on other days they're available, the AirAsia website shows.

The cheapest Air New Zealand flight on that route for March 22 is currently $242, according to the Webjet website.

The trans-Tasman market is the most competitive for Air New Zealand, and rivalry is increasing, with reports its Star Alliance partner Singapore Airlines is to begin direct flights between Canberra and Wellington.

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/air-nz-faces-more-trans-tasman-rivalry-2016011412#ixzz3xGoPkZZK

Air New Zealand lost market share on trans-Tasman routes in the June 2015 year, according to a First NZ Capital report.

The market grew 6.9 percent in the 12 months to June, more than three times Air New Zealand's passenger number growth.

"This isn't going to be a game-changer for Air New Zealand - this type of competition is ongoing," said Rob Mercer, head of private wealth research at Forsyth Barr. "We are going to see airfares come down over the next 12 months and we are going to see airlines look to put into service a fleet which can now be competitive on long-haul routes."

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/air-nz-faces-more-trans-tasman-rivalry-2016011412#ixzz3xGodGPtA

Government data showed international air travel prices fell 4.2 percent in the year ended June 30, 2015, and were 21 percent lower than their peak in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Air New Zealand's shares climbed 20 percent in 2015, a year when an oversupply of oil pushed global fuel prices lower.

The stock has gained about 2 percent this year, while declining 0.5 percent to $3 today.

NZN

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/air-nz-faces-more-trans-tasman-rivalry-2016011412#ixzz3xGokAl1k

Thursday 14 Jan 2016 12:25 p.m.

By Sophie Boot

3 News

AirAsia X to Add Flights To U.S., New Zealand and India

As originally reported by The Wall Street Journal, AirAsia X Bhd., the low-fare affiliate of the AirAsia Group, will resume flights to India and start service to the U.S. this year as the company looks to expand. Benyamin Ismail, chief executive of AirAsia X, stated that low fuel prices and increasing market potential have refueled the option to fly to India. The budget carrier will operate four flights a week between New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia X abandoned flights to New Delhi in 2012.

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is speculated to approve the airline’s request to operate four flights a week from the Malaysian capital to Honolulu. Last year AirAsia X had planned to start flights to Honolulu in November. Flights to Honolulu will stop over in Osaka to tap into the large number of Japanese tourists who travel to Hawaii.

AirAsia X also announced on its website that it is launching flights to Auckland, New Zealand from Kuala Lumpur via Gold Coast, Australia. The daily flights are scheduled to begin operating on March 22 and are slated to strengthen the airline’s connectivity between Asia, Australia and the North Island of New Zealand.

This brand new destination was officially launched in Kuala Lumpur Monday.

“At AirAsia X, our aim is to continue building an extensive list of exciting destinations to our guests and the introduction of this new route is in line with our turnaround initiatives that we believe will bring positive contribution to the bottom line,” concluded Ismail.

by Maile Bucher On Jan 13, 2016

Aviation Pros.com

Aircraft crash at Nelson Airport

The ZK-MAC Sportstar Plus light aircraft that crash landed at Nelson Airport.

A student pilot was uninjured during a crash-landing of a light aircraft at Nelson Airport.

Emergency were called to the scene about 1:20pm on Wednesday.

Pacific Pilot Training chief flying instructor David Marriott said the nose wheel on the aircraft had collapsed on landing.

"It doesn't normally happen. It was a landing accident, basically."

He said the student pilot on a routine training flight was OK, but "a bit upset".

Marriott said there was "a little bit of damage" to the aircraft.

The crash caused some disruption to other flights at Nelson Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

Nelson Mail/Stuff

Photo MARION VAN DIJK

13 January 2016

Crash closes Nelson Airport

A small aircraft crashed onto the Nelson Airport runway at around 1.20 pm today.

The incident has closed the Nelson Airport, no flights will be taking off until the runway is cleared.

Chief Executive Officer, Robert Evans says the male pilot was performing a training flight before the aircraft crashed.

“It’s just a small single engine aircraft belonging to Pacific Pilot Training, there are no injuries at this stage, the guy walked away and we’re just waiting for CAA approval to remove the craft. It shouldn’t be too long before flights continue.”

Tasman District Police Sergeant Steve Savage says police are currently at the incident.

“It sounds like more of a rough landing classified as a crash, they have had some difficulties and just landed rough.”

Nelson Weekly/Nelson Live

13 January 2016

Airline Ratings rank best airlines in all classes

Air New Zealand ranked one of the best long-haul economy carriers in the world by AirlineRankings.com

A website that ranks airlines on their safety, comfort and luxury has named the best in long-haul economy, first class, business class and premium economy - with carriers from Oceania, the Middle East and Asia dominating.

Ranked alphabetically by website AirlineRatings.com, Air New Zealand was listed - as was Air France - in the Business Class and Premium Economy list.

Air New Zealand also took out a top ten spot for the best long-haul economy experience.

Top first class carriers included All Nippon Airways.

AirlineRankings.com deems first class to be the "ultimate in luxury and space."

"First class is essentially the same philosophy as business class but with more space, privacy, meal courses, the finest of champagnes, wine and liquors and you rarely have to see another passenger." the website wrote.

A picture shows the bar in the first class section on board an Airbus A380 passenger plane of Emirates Airline. Image: Reuters

Also making the list of luxury first class experience was Emirates, followed by Etihad Airways.

Air New Zealand did not make the first class rankings.

On another article, entitled: Editors favourites: Who we love to fly with and why there were glowing reports for Air New Zealand.

"This is one airline that hasn't forgotten where most of its passengers fly" one editor wrote.

"Who else serves their passengers fruit salad and scones with jam and cream for an afternoon tea snack? They are also the innovators of the popular and unique Skycouch – a section of the cabin in economy where seat groupings of three transform in to a couch giving passengers travelling together more options to lie flat or recline."

To read the full list visit AirlineRankings.com

Earlier version of this story did not clarify that the listings are in alphabetical order. 

 - Stuff

Air New Zealand makes list of 20 safest airlines for 2016

Air New Zealand has been named one of the world's safest airlines, according to AirlineRatings.com.

Air New Zealand has once again made the list of the top 20 safest airlines in the world.

The airline also featured on last year's list, which is compiled annually by AirlineRatings.com, an independent plane safety and product rating website.

Topping the list was Qantas, for the third year running, with the Australian carrier praised for its "extraordinary fatality-free record in the jet era".

The website provided safety ratings for 407 airlines, awarding them up to seven stars for safety. Of those surveyed, 148 were given the top seven-star safety ranking but almost 50 had just three stars or less, according to the Daily Telegraph.

READ MORE: * Air NZ in world's safest airlines * Airline Ratings rank best airlines in all classes

Here are the 20 airlines that made in the list in alphabetical order (bar Qantas, in the top spot):

1. Qantas 2. Air New Zealand 3. Alaska Airlines 4. All Nippon Airlines (ANA) 5. American Airlines 6. Cathay Pacific Airways 7. Emirates 8. Etihad Airways 9. EVA Air 10. Finnair 11. Hawaiian Airlines 12. Japan Airlines 13. KLM 14. Lufthansa 15. Scandinavian Airline System (SAS) 16. Singapore Airlines 17. Swiss 18. United Airlines 19. Virgin Atlantic 20. Virgin Australia

The safety ratings are based on a range of factors such as each airline's operational history, incident records and operational excellence.

AirlineRatings.com also identified the top 10 safest budget airlines, which have all passed the stringent International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).

They are, in alphabetical order:

1. Aer Lingus 2. Flybe 3. HK Express 4. Jetblue 5. Jetstar Australia 6. Thomas Cook 7. TUI Fly 8. Virgin America 9. Volaris 10. Westjet

 - Stuff

Last updated 12:42, January 6 2016