Qantas and American Airlines signal 'major announcement' for New Zealand

New Zealanders can expect a "major announcement" from alliance partners Qantas and American Airlines on Wednesday. Both Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce and American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker will visit Wellington for the announcement which Transport Minister Simon Bridges will also attend.

House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said there were rumours the two Oneworld airlines could be launching a direct codeshare service from New Zealand to the United States.

Air New Zealand has a monopoly on direct flights from Auckland to Los Angeles and San Francisco and, from December, Houston.

It also flies Auckland to Honolulu along with Hawaiian Airlines.

When new carriers entered a route on which there was no competition previously consumers benefited through lower airfares and greater choice of products, Thomas said.

From July 1 United Airlines will also start flying three times a week from San Francisco to Auckland with a 242-seat 787-8 aircraft.

In December Qantas launches a new flight between Sydney and San Francisco and American Airlines launches flights between Sydney and Los Angeles.

Air New Zealand has also said it was in the final stages of evaluating two new long haul routes, one of which was expected to be announced before Christmas.

Centre for Aviation analyst Blake Moore said he expected American Airlines to announce it would fly its 787 Dreamliner on the Auckland to Los Angeles route as part of its alliance with Qantas.

READ MORE: * Air NZ preparing to announce two new international routes * Qantas, American Airlines partnership 'benefits passengers'

Thomas said it would be interesting if American Airlines and Qantas launched a service on a route which Air New Zealand had a monopoly on, such as Los Angeles.

"Los Angeles is a gateway for New Zealanders to mainland USA," Thomas said.

Increased capacity on a route encouraged more people to travel, he said.

"Airlines have to price at a level that creates the demand to fill certain parts of the plane."

Thomas said it was also possible Qantas and American Airlines would announce a trans-Tasman codeshare service.

More Americans were travelling to this part of the world as the US dollar strengthened against the kiwi and aussie dollar, he said.

That meant more American tourists would be visiting Australia and wanting to cross the Tasman to New Zealand on their trip as well.

JOHN ANTHONY

Last updated 14:28, November 10 2015

 - Stuff

Air New Zealand buys 15 new planes for regional routes

Air New Zealand's decision to buy 15 new ATR72-600 aircraft will result in lower regional airfares. Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said the new 68-seat planes would replace the airline's 11 older ATR72-500s.

The purchase would increase Air New Zealand's total ATR fleet by four to 29, adding an additional 600,000 seats into regional New Zealand each year.

READ MORE: * Air New Zealand to grow domestic operation, offer more cheap flights * Air NZ may struggle to sell its Beech fleet * Air NZ announces regional network cuts

Luxon said to fill those seats Air New Zealand would need to stimulate demand in the regions by lowering prices and driving tourism through events.

"The bottom line is it's going to be a very good deal for customers," Luxon said.

At list prices the new aircraft are collectively valued at US$375 million (NZ$569m).

In 2012 the airline announced it would buy 14 ATR72-600 aircraft - seven have been delivered with the remaining seven due to join the fleet by mid-2016.

The additional 15 aircraft would begin arriving from late 2016.

Air New Zealand also operates 10 19-seat Beech 1900D and 23 50-seat Bombardier Q300 aircraft.

It has been flying ATR aircraft since 1995 and the ATR72-600 is the third model it had flown, Luxon said.

"They're just perfectly designed for New Zealand."

The company would sell its ATR72-500 fleet, Luxon said.

In April Air New Zealand made major cuts to its regional network, ending services to Kaitaia, Whakatane and Westport. Whangarei to Wellington, Taupo to Wellington and Palmerston North to Nelson routes were also scrapped, with Hamilton to Auckland ending in February.

The routes, which were served by Beech aircraft, were losing $1 million a month.

As a result of the cuts Air New Zealand would be looking to sell its Beech fleet.

Luxon said the airline would not be revisiting those regions with ATRs.

"The structural economics of those towns and those regions means that we have committed that we will not be going back into those towns."

On routes which were previously serviced with Beech aircraft but were now serviced with a Q300 Air New Zealand had achieved a lower cost per seat, resulting in a 15 per cent fare reduction, Luxon said.

"We've already had several towns make that transition."

Air New Zealand shares closed up 4 cents on Thursday at $2.84.

ATR chief executive Patrick de Castelbajac said the ATR-600 delivered good economics.

It also featured improvements for passengers including overhead compartments which held 30 per cent more luggage than the ATR-500s.

Cabin noise had also been reduced by improving the synchronisation of the twin propellers resulting in less vibrations, he said.

The other big difference was in the cockpit, which de Castelbajac said described as one of the most modern in aviation.

Avionic improvements allowed the aircraft to perform a range of approaches which could save on fuel, he said.

Prime Minister John key, who was at the announcement at Air New Zealand's Engineering and Maintenance base at Auckland Airport, said tourism in New Zealand was booming with about 3 million tourists visiting each year.

The new ATRs would benefit regional New Zealand because more international and domestic tourists would be willing to fly to the regions with increased flight frequency and more affordable fares, he said.

 - Stuff

JOHN ANTHONY

Last updated 18:27, November 5 2015

Airport equipment move upsets Monaco residents

A new site for aircraft navigation equipment on the Monaco Peninsula has upset residents who says it is an "industrialisation" of the area.

Monaco resident of 40 years and former residents association chairwoman Chrissie Keay said residents knew nothing about the plans to excavate a section on Point Rd to install the equipment, and there had been a "complete lack of consultation".

"How could it have gone so far down the track with it starting in three weeks without us knowing it was happening," she said.

"We're very protective and passionate about our little peninsula here, and we see it as an industrialisation of our peninsula."

Nelson Airport and Airways are moving the DVOR/DME - aircraft navigation equipment - from its current site near the terminal to the land the airport owns on Monaco peninsula to provide for the future expansion of the airport. The gear would also be upgraded in the move.

Keay said it wasn't until two weeks ago residents were made aware of the airport's plans when the company dropped a flier in letterboxes about a public meeting five days later.

The flier said excavation of a basin to road level on Point Rd would start in November. Construction of an equipment shelter and foundations would take place in March next year, and set up and commissioning would be done in July next year.

It said the site was chosen as it did not restrict aircraft operations in and out of the airport.

Keay said the flier had come out of nowhere, and although the resource consent for the earthworks had been approved more than a year ago most residents knew nothing about it.

"They've just thrown this at us."

She said the structure, which would be surrounded in barbed wire for security reasons, didn't belong at Monaco and residents had the right to be upset.

"It all comes down to consultation, if this was in the works for a year, it's a disgrace that we have just heard it."

She and others were going to reactivate the residents association, make fliers and hold hold a meeting about the development.

"If the majority wants to push it we'll push it, and we'll push for the residents who are opposed to it."

Nelson Airport chief executive Robert Evans said the equipment's current location was a big constraint on the airport. "We can't develop anything within about a three hectare area so that leaves about about seven acres of land on the airport next to the terminal which we're not able to develop on".

The navigation equipment cannot be near anything over a certain height, due to signal obstruction.

He said the land the equipment was currently on was valuable because it was "next to the apron, it's next to the runway and the terminal expansion area".

"For quite some time it's been identified that the land that we own on Monaco peninsula is really not much use for anything because of its location to the runway, but it is ideally suited to the location of this aviation equipment."

He said the equipment would "basically sit in a hole" as the structure cannot obstruct the airspace. Only two "arrow things" would sit above the line of the land.

He said the structure would be visible, but "only for the purposes that you'll just drive past it". The airport and Airways had discussed covering the hole so it was not open to the road when the work was finished, Evan said.

"We need to get it built and established and then have a look at what we can do around that."

He did not think the structure was "industrialising Monaco" and it was one of the few places the equipment could go due to technical requirements.

"We've owned that land and like all the residents we're entitled to build like all the residents, and we think the impacts are pretty minimal once it's up and running, it'll be barely noticeable."

He said the airport needed to prepare for future growth and start on its long term plan.

"Our effort to consult and discuss with residents was in my view a positive step.

"There's no requirement for that, but we thought it was an important thing to do. I guess it can be a double-edged sword sometimes but we're more than happy to have those conversations."

Although he did agree with residents who thought consultation should have taken place earlier he said he "wasn't here two years ago, I'm here now and I felt it was important that we had a conversation with it.

"I appreciate it upset a few people but I really do think once it's in and operating it'll have very little impact on daily life."

Excavation work will start next month.

 - Stuff

ANNA BRADLEY-SMITH

Last updated 09:12, November 2 2015

Air NZ named Australasia's top airline

Air New Zealand scoops top regional award for the seventh year running.

Photo: DEAN KOZANIC/FAIRFAX NZ

Air New Zealand been named Australasia's Leading Airline at the regional 2015 World Travel Awards.

"To win ... for the seventh year in a row is incredibly exciting. We're continually looking at ways to enhance the customer experience at all stages of the journey and these awards are testament to that work and to the efforts of our 11,000 staff," Air New Zealand general manager customer experience Carrie Hurihanganui said.

The national carrier also took out the award for Australasia's Leading Airport Lounge for its Christchurch Airport lounge for the third year running.

The awards for the Asia and Australasia region were announced overnight at a ceremony in Hong Kong. All regional winners will compete for the World Travel Awards' global awards to be announced at a gala ceremony on December 12 in Morocco.

Air New Zealand did not manage to take out any of the global categories last year. The 2014 top airline was awarded to Etihad Airways.

Auckland Airport - which won the top Australasian Airport in the 2014 regional awards - failed to retain that title overnight. Melbourne Airport was named the regional winner.

MORE KIWI WINNERS

Australasia's leading airline: Air New Zealand

Australasia's leading airport lounge: Air New Zealand Koru Lounge, Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand

Australasia's Leading Casino Resort: Sky City Auckland, New Zealand

Australasia's Leading Conference Hotel: InterContinental Wellington, New Zealand

Australasia's Leading Experiential Luxury Property: Annandale, New Zealand

Australasia's Leading Tourist Board: Tourism New Zealand

Australasia's Leading Villa Resort: Eagles Nest, New Zealand

 - Stuff

Last updated 10:25, October 30 2015

Kiwi Air touches down in Hamilton to guard of honour

https://assets.stuff.co.nz/video/production/1446017784162-airline.mp4 Hamilton Airport wheeled out the water canons for the first landing arrival of the new regional airline.

Kiwi Regional Airlines (KRA) took its first commercial flight on Tuesday after it won regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority and was welcomed, with full honours, to the Waikato.

Their first scheduled stop at Hamilton Airport from Nelson was delayed by 20 minutes but passengers were pleased with the service.

ELTON SMALLMAN/FAIRFAX NZ

Water canon honours Kiwi Regional Airlines' first commercial arrival in Hamilton.

Hamilton mum Elysha Memon and her baby Maaya visited family in Nelson regularly.

There were "teething problems" but a direct flight cut out the hassle.

"What I like best is we can go direct from Nelson to Hamilton without having to go through Wellington or Auckland," said Memon.

Two flights to Nelson were "inconvenient" and KRA's cut price helped.

"I missed out on the specials, unfortunately," she said.

"But it's better than $300 or $400."

Nelson man Kit Brydon arrived on the flight and said it was a "nice plane and a good flight".

"We had cake when we left and then the welcome here into Hamilton with the fire hoses," said Brydon.

He said Nelson families with children in Hamilton would benefit from the connection.

"I hope it continues," he said.

Nelson Airport chief executive Robert Evans also touched down on the first flight between cities.

"It was pleasant with a cup of coffee, some water, a biscuit and a few lollies," said Evans.

"The plane went well, it was comfortable."

KRA joined other newcomer Originair to fly into Nelson and Jetstar will take off in December.

Evans said there was plenty of excitement in the Nelson aviation industry.

"There is a lot of aviation activity so a lot of excitement is building around all of those airlines and today is a great day with Hamilton and Dunedin now on our route network," said Evans.

Hamilton Airport acting chief executive Mark Morgan said a new player in the skies was just what the airport needed.

"As an airport company, you strive to attract airlines to your airport so to have another airline operating from Hamilton is great to have," said Morgan.

"Kiwi has a lot of history in the Waikato so to have Kiwi Regional Air in business now is great to see."

With just one aircraft, KRA was exposed if it met mechanical failure but Morgan said it had already brought numbers to the airport.

"We've had people out here today that have got an interest in aircraft and airlines, taking photos, and they are not even travelling  so I think it creates general interest and that can only be good for aviation and for airports."

 - Stuff

 ELTON SMALLMAN

Last updated 07:07, October 29 2015

Kiwi Regional Airlines takes to the Nelson skies

https://assets.stuff.co.nz/video/production/1446004416578-Kiwi_1.mp4 Kiwi Regional Airlines has begun its Nelson flights assuring that its customers should not be concerned about it only having one plane in its fleet.

The airline has one 34-seat twin turbo-prop Saab 340A, but airline chief executive Ewan Wilson it would only fly when it was safe.

"We will clearly try to mitigate any mechanical risks by good maintenance and having spare parts and competent engineers."

He said the airline also has a good relationship with manufacturer Saab, which would be helpful if they required parts.

"If we have a mechanical problem the plane stays on ground until we are able to fix it and passengers will face a disruption," he said.

Ewan Wilson Chief Executive Officer Kiwi Regional Airlines.

Wilson is not new to the aviation industry - he launched the short-lived airline Kiwi International Airlines about 20 years ago.

It lasted about two years before collapsing in 1996. This time around would be "hugely different", said Wilson in September.

"I'm being careful to avoid direct competition [this time], I've learnt so much [since launching Kiwi International Airlines]."

After a rainy start and a few delays, the airline flew its first passengers between Dunedin, Nelson and Hamilton on Wednesday with around 20 passengers on the flights.

"We had a bit of a weather challenge in Queenstown in the morning with fog in Dunedin, which meant we were late coming out. But the flight went well," said Wilson.

The airline cancelled a Dunedin to Queenstown flight on Wednesday morning due to fog. The passengers were given refunds and then the plane flew from Dunedin to Nelson with a 30-minute delay.

Wilson said he intended to purchase another plane for his fleet within the next 12 months depending on the support the airline gets from the public.

He said Kiwi Regional Airlines was the only company which offered a service where customers' airfare payments were held by a credit card payment facility based in Europe. The airline could not draw those funds until a passenger had travelled.

"If you don't get the service for which you purchased with a credit card we will reimburse you," he said.

He said the passenger numbers on the plane were as he expected and he was encouraged by the interest for direct regional routes.

"[Air New Zealand's earlier] decision to drop some of the regional routes triggered us to review our options. We are confident that we will get support on those routes," he said.

Passenger Elliot Harris, who flew from Dunedin to Nelson on Wednesday, said he was happy with the service given the direct link between Otago University where he studies and his home in Nelson.

"Hopefully they stick around, it's better than taking the bus," he said.

He said the flights worked out to be considerably cheaper than other travel methods between the two cities.

Another passenger from Motueka, Walter Hofmann, was travelling to Hamilton from Nelson on Wednesday. Hofmann said he was thrilled with the choice of direct route because his daughter lives in Hamilton.

"Why make a roundabout trip when you can go direct," he said.

Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans said the addition of Kiwi Regional Airlines was another exciting chapter for the airport.

"It's another opportunity for us to network and grow," he said.

Evans said the Dunedin route had plenty of passenger interest and having a plane half full on the airline's first day was "always a good thing".

- Stuff

Jess Pullar 29th October 2015

Kiwi Regional Airlines fly into Nelson

Kiwi Regional Airlines flew their first plane in and out of the Nelson Airport this morning. The flight came from Dunedin and was welcomed with a traditional water arch courtesy of the Nelson Airport’s fire department. The airline is the second new airline to Nelson Airport this year. Earlier this year, Originair began flying Nelsonians to and from Palmerston North, while Jetstar is scheduled to provide flights to and from Auckland on December 1, adding a Wellington route in February. These airlines join Air New Zealand, Sounds Air and Air 2 There, already operating out of Nelson Airport.

Dunedin student, Matthew Dawson was on the incoming flight, returning to Nelson for the summer university break. “It was an enjoyable fight, and it’s very handy for students because it’s direct to Nelson and you don’t have to stop over in Christchurch, I know my mates from uni, and I will fly Kiwi Air from now on.” Unfortunately, Matthew got caught out by the baggage allowance difference between Kiwi Regional Airlines and Air New Zealand. Matthew’s was 7.6 kgs overweight so he arrived in the Nelson Airport wearing 14 shirts. “Man, it got hot,” laughs Matthew.

The Kiwi Regional Airlines baggage allowance is 20kg per bag. For more information on Kiwi Regional Airlines or to book a flight, visit: http://flykiwiair.co.nz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA-Me1z6yAg&feature=player_embedded#t=0

Nelson Live/Nelson Weekly 28/October 2015

Kiwi Regional takes off

New airline Kiwi Regional was to make its first flight from Nelson today. The airline's SAAB 340A aircraft was scheduled to fly from Dunedin to Nelson Airport this morning and then on to Hamilton at 11.25am.

Kiwi Regional chief executive Ewan Wilson said the 30-seat aircraft would be about 50 per cent full.

"The sales have been really encouraging. The Dunedin to Nelson and Nelson to Hamilton services have lived up to our expectations," he said.

The new airline will fly direct routes from Nelson to Hamilton and Dunedin four days a week. It will also fly a direct route from Nelson to Queenstown over the winter season.

Stuff

JESS PULLAR

Last updated 08:58, October 28 2015

Kiwi Regional Airlines may start flights to New Plymouth

An unfamiliar sight greeted airport goers on Saturday as Kiwi Regional Airlines made a surprise appearance. Kiwi Regional Airlines (KRA) distinctive new green-tailed plane was spotted at New Plymouth airport on October 17 sparking questions as to whether the newly formed company would be expanding.

KRA is a Hamilton based company operating a single Saab340A aircraft to Nelson, Dunedin and Queenstown with plans to add another aircraft to their fleet.

Route network and revenue manager for KRA, Dave Macpherson, said the fleeting appearance in New Plymouth was to test the waters for future flights.

"We had a spare day so we wanted to test the timing and logistics of flying to New Plymouth," he said.

"We are looking at interest from other provincial towns including Invercargill, Napier and Tauranga."

"It is unlikely to be this year though."

"This year we just want to nail down where and when we could extend."

Although KRA's first official flight day is scheduled for October 27, Macpherson said they would start calling for expressions of interest from other provincial locations.

KRA's plans to expand come after Jetstar announced on June 18 they would start flying to and from New Plymouth and four other regional destinations  from February 2016.

Airport manager at New Plymouth airport, Kevin Hill, said the airport would be interested if KRA did decide to start flying to New Plymouth, but said nothing had been formally discussed.

"With Jetstar starting to fly here in February 2016 finding gate space and sorting out timing could get a bit blocked up."

Planned extensions to New Plymouth's airport terminal were scheduled for May 2016 but would be moved forward to accommodate Jetstar and are likely to be completed by mid-2017.

"We're looking at re-development of the terminal at the moment so KRA could be factored in."

 - Stuff

JEREMY WILKINSON

Last updated 12:42, October 20 2015

Kiwi Regional Airlines unhappy with Queenstown Airport and ticket sales

Kiwi Regional Airlines chief executive Ewan Wilson is disappointed with tickets sales and treatment by Queenstown Airport. Next week the latest airline competitor will take its first commercial flight into the resort, with the airline expected to launch operations on October 27.

Airline chief executive Ewan Wilson said "overall we've been very disappointed with ticket sales (between Dunedin and Queenstown). We have been really surprised how poor they have been."

Wilson declined to comment on how many of the 34 seats on the SAAB 340A had been sold for the launch flight.

He said they were also "very unhappy" it had been allocated Gate 1 at Queenstown Airport, which was "miles away from the terminal" and unclearly marked for passengers.

"We have some real issues with Queenstown Airport's logistics," Wilson said.

He believed they were acting "bullish" and "don't seem hungry for new clients", he said.

"We will try hard to convince them every client is important."

However, Airport Corporation operations general manager Mike Clay said Gate 1 was assigned to the airline as it was "specifically designed for Turboprop aircraft".

"The gate is designated for passengers not required to be screened for domestic flights (under 90 seats) and is conveniently located next to Airspresso café in the main terminal concourse.

"It's approximately an extra 10 metre walk for passengers from the aircraft to the terminal."

Clay said it was disappointing to hear Wilson's comments.

"We welcome new airlines and routes and have offered Kiwi Regional Air the same facilities, terms and conditions as our other scheduled airlines," he said.

On Monday the airline's crew underwent "proofing" with Civil Aviation Authority regulators along its proposed route.

The proposed flight route included flying from Queenstown to Dunedin and back then onto Nelson and Hamilton.

The company was expecting to be given its Air Operations Certificate this week, which would allow it to apply for its regulatory approval certificate to fly commercially.

Wilson said he was confident the airline would make the launch date.

Flights would depart Dunedin for the 40 minute trip to Queenstown at 7.15am and 5.20pm on weekdays, 7.15am on Saturday and 5.20pm on Sundays.

Flights would then return to Dunedin from Queenstown at 8.25am and 6.30pm on weekdays, 8.25am on Saturday and 6.30pm on Sundays.

Stuff

CHE BAKER

Last updated 14:41, October 20 2015

Airport tractor ban 'ageist'

 An old tractor might be useful on a farm, but at Nelson Airport it's a different story. The arrival of a 40-year-old Massey Ferguson tractor on the tarmac has caused a stir after it was rejected by the Airport Company to tow luggage for new airline Kiwi Regional.

Kiwi Regional Airlines chief executive officer Ewan Wilson called the Nelson Airport Company "ageist" for turning down the tractor he purchased especially.

"It's just ageism, it doesn't blow smoke and it may be slightly older than their other vehicles but Massey Fergusons have been the backbone of aviation for years," said Wilson.

"It's a beautiful classic thing. We were very frustrated and a little disappointed in the end."

Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans said the tractor could be used to tow Kiwi Regional's SAAB 340 aircraft, but it would be "cumbersome" to tow luggage carriers at the front of the terminal.

"Having that operating at our terminal is not at the sort of standard of engineering that we would expect from an airline. Quite frankly it's a [40] year old tractor, it's meant for the farm."

He said the tractor was not suitable when driven close to adults and children at the terminal.

The airport has provided Wilson with a modern electric cart to tow luggage while he finds an appropriate towing vehicle.

Wilson said he was disappointed that he was required to purchase a new cart.

"I think the decision was unjustified but ultimately they're the airport company and they make the rules," he said.

Meanwhile, the airline's SAAB 340 has performed its proving flight with the Civil Aviation Authority ahead of its first public flight next week. It flew to Nelson on Monday.

"We're really pleased with how the proving flight went," said Wilson.

He said he was waiting for an official notification to certify the plane was fit for commercial use and he expected to know within the next three days.

He said the was encouraged to see plenty of pre-bookings from Nelsonians travelling to Dunedin and Hamilton.

 - Stuff

JESS PULLAR

Last updated 11:29, October 21 2015

Kiwi Pays Flying Visit To Regions

Kiwi Regional Airlines is touring the country a week out from the start of its scheduled commercial flights. Bringing an opportunity to see NZ's newest Kiwi owned and operated airline, the Kiwi Regional Airlines SAAB 340A will leave from Hamilton and touch down in New Plymouth, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown to reposition ahead of its proving flight with the Civil Aviation Authority on Monday.

For aviation enthusiasts and the general public in New Plymouth and Christchurch, this may be their only chance for some time to see Kiwi's SAAB, with the initial route offering pairing Hamilton, Nelson, Dunedin and Queenstown.

"Ultimately we would like to be able to connect as many regional centres as possible, and the feedback we've been receiving from the public is that they would be very pleased if we could." said Ewan Wilson, the airline's CEO. "However we do have a unique opportunity ahead of our regulatory proving flight to land and enjoy New Plymouth and Christchurch, which we're really looking forward to" Wilson will be one of the passengers aboard the flight along with other Kiwi Regional Airlines staff.

"For our pilots it's a fantastic chance to put the SAAB through its paces and make a real journey out of it. It's also a great opportunity to touch base in a few different communities and tour a large part of the country."  A non-affiliated Facebook page has been set up by New Plymouth residents calling for the airline to place it ou their route-map. The page is now almost at 1000 likes.

 

Air New Zealand rolling out 14 new domestic Koru lounges

Air New Zealand will unveil 14 new domestic Koru lounges and six new international lounges as part of a $100 million spend-up over the next four years. Since December the airline has opened new regional and international lounges at Auckland International Airport as well as a new international lounge at Sydney Airport.

A new international lounge is also under construction at Brisbane Airport and designs for new regional lounges are being developed for Palmerston North, Hamilton, Invercargill and Wellington.

The Wellington regional lounge is aimed at passengers travelling to regional destinations, but any passenger entitled to lounge access will be able to use the lounge when travelling domestically.

Air New Zealand lounges at Queenstown and Fiji's Nadi International Airport are also scheduled to be upgraded in 2016.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Kelly Kilgour said over the course of 2017 and 2018 a further nine domestic and four international airports would be upgraded.

At the opening of the airline's sleek new Auckland international lounge last month, Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said the timing of lounge upgrades was largely dependent on where airports were at with their expansion plans.

"You have to get the airport company to have the right building and the right construction in place to support a new lounge," Luxon said.

"Some of the airports in the regions are in expansion at the moment and we're just trying to make sure we align with their expansion plans."

Air New Zealand lounges were open to Koru members and business class passengers as well as Gold and Elite Airpoints members.

Tourism Industry Association chief executive Chris Roberts said Air New Zealand was responding to visitor expectations.

"We know that in general travellers have rising expectations of the level of service that's going to be provided to them."

"Travellers are getting more sophisticated and their expectations are growing all the time."

Air New Zealand had a popular and growing Koru membership, Roberts said.

The airline would not disclose how many customers had access to lounges or how many Koru members it had.

In June Invercargill Airport opened the first stage of its new $13m terminal building, which featured a temporary Koru lounge while stage two of the development was being completed.

Invercargill Airport general manager Chloe Surridge said the new lounge would be 120 square metres - about 50 per cent bigger than the original lounge.

The lounge would be a vast improvement on the previous facility, she said.

"We've got a lot of business travellers coming in and out of the airport so it's important that we've got a place where people can spend a couple of hours if they need to work."

Most regional airports were built in the 1960s or earlier and were looking at upgrading their facilities, she said.

 - Stuff

JOHN ANTHONY

Last updated 14:11, October 13 2015

Aircraft spruce up taking place in Nelson

Fliers will no longer feel like they are stepping back in time when boarding an Air New Zealand Q300 aircraft after the fleet received a $1 million interior spruce up.

The fomer light blue interior seating has been replaced with sleeker inky-hued seats with leather paneling. New carpet strips have also modernised the interior of the aircraft.

"The [Q300] fleet are about 10 years old, that's about half way through their life so it was the perfect time for a cabin refresh," said Air Nelson head Kelvin Duff.

"It's mirroring the look of all Air New Zealand aircraft, when you [board], the overall look and feel will be the same."

The interior installations are taking place in Nelson, with the airline's 23 Q300 aircrafts being re-fit in the Air New Zealand aircraft maintenance facility at Nelson Airport over the next three months.

Duff said it was great for Nelson to have the installations take place in the region. Each aircraft installation will take about 100 hours of labour to be completed during the night between flights to airports across New Zealand.

The maintenance facility, introduced earlier this year, created around 50 engineering jobs for Nelson.

"Whenever we get extra work here it's great, [the installation process in Nelson] reflects the decision to create the [maintenance facility]," said Duff.

About two Q300 aircraft fit-outs will be completed each week, with the entire fleet set to be finished by January.

"Over the next month customers will start to experience the new [interiors]," said Duff.

He hoped customers would find their flight experience more comfortable with additional contoured paneling on seats.

- Stuff JESS PULLAR

Last updated 11:27, October 15 2015

United Airlines flying back to NZ

American airline United is returning to New Zealand with flights between Auckland and San Francisco as it deepens its partnership with Air New Zealand. From next July, United will use Dreamliners to fly as often as daily across the Pacific in a deal between the Star Alliance partners that will boost capacity on the route and open the way for cheaper fares.

The deal could also deter American Airlines - from the rival Oneworld alliance and a potential threat to Air New Zealand - from entering the transpacific market.

Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said his airline would work with United to promote each other's services on the San Francisco route. The airlines have anti-trust immunity to work closely with each other.

"Some provisions will move it forward to a structure around revenue-sharing and expand it geographically if we want to," Luxon said.

Air New Zealand is building a range of partnerships including with Virgin Australia, which it part owns, Japan's ANA, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Air China and now deepening the 20-year alliance it has with United.

United Airlines is the world's biggest carrier by the number of cities served with 226 US cities and 136 international destinations on its network. It has around 84,000 staff.

"They are a massive organisation and have massive sales and distribution, which is what we are wanting to access," Luxon said.

United had hubs in San Francisco and Houston, where Air New Zealand would start flying to later this year.

"They've been very supportive of us coming in to Houston and getting them coming out of San Francisco is great because it gives us more connectivity through their network into domestic America."

Luxon said there was still strong and growing demand for flights to and from the United States.

"Our model of building market demand is working exceptionally well and we are finding new richer seams of gold and customers to tap into.

"This is a big way for us to be able to do this."

United will begin operating a three times weekly 787-8 service between San Francisco and Auckland from July, moving to daily services with a larger 787-9 aircraft from November 2016.

United pulled out of flying to New Zealand in 2003 after it was forced into what was then the airline industry's biggest bankruptcy.

Air New Zealand operates a daily service from Auckland to San Francisco, 18 return services per week from Auckland to Los Angeles, four services per week to Vancouver and four services per week to Honolulu, Hawaii.

From December 15 the airline will also commence direct services from Auckland to Houston five times per week.

- NZ Herald 5:00 AM Friday Oct 9, 2015

Grant Bradley

Aviation, tourism and energy writer for the Business Herald

Jetstar launches low fares to Rarotonga

"The Cook Islands is a favourite destination for many New Zealanders and we’re confident our low fares to Rarotonga will be warmly welcomed by holidaymakers throughout the country".

Jetstar will bring its low fares to the Cook Islands for the first time with the airline to commence year-round services between Auckland and Rarotonga from 22 March 2016*.

Jetstar Head of New Zealand Grant Kerr said the low fares airline’s first service connecting New Zealand and the Cook Islands from Australia would provide more choice and competition on the route.

“We’re very excited to announce our first direct service from New Zealand to the beautiful South Pacific,” Mr Kerr said.

“The Cook Islands is a favourite destination for many New Zealanders and we’re confident our low fares to Rarotonga will be warmly welcomed by holidaymakers throughout the country.”

All return flights originate from Sydney or Melbourne and Jetstar will offer Australian travellers connecting fares to Rarotonga via Auckland. This will enable the Cook Islands to tap into the two biggest Australian tourism markets to grow visitation.

Mr Kerr said Jetstar will be the first new airline in more than 10 years to connect Auckland and Rarotonga, offering three return services a week on a year-round basis.

“Whenever Jetstar enters a market our low fares help to grow that market,” Mr Kerr said.

“We expect our new flights to Rarotonga will significantly lift passenger numbers from both New Zealand and Australia, delivering substantial benefits to Cook Islands tourism.”

Cook Islands Tourism General Manager Graeme West said the announcement was a very positive development for the island nation.

“Tourism contributes 60 percent of GDP in the Cook Islands so the new services will provide a major boost to the country’s economy,” Mr West said.

“Rarotonga welcomes more than 82,000 visitors from New Zealand each year and the additional Jetstar capacity from March 2016 will allow the market to grow even more.

"We’re delighted that Jetstar has made this commitment to our nation and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure it’s a long standing relationship.”

Jetstar will add around 25,000 new return seats a year to the Auckland-Rarotonga route*, representing capacity growth of more than 15 percent to the Cook Islands from New Zealand.

Services begin 22 March 2016, ahead of next year’s Easter break and the first school holidays. Return services will operate three times a week departing Auckland on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to the connecting flights from Sydney and Melbourne, Jetstar will offer connections from Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth and Palmerston North.

LAUNCH SALE INFORMATION

The following special launch fares will be on sale for 12 hours from 11.30am (NZDT) today for travel next year to Rarotonga from 2-12 April, 7 May-5-July, and 30 July-30 August: $129^ from Auckland, $169^ from Wellington, Christchurch, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth and Palmerston North, and $199^ from Queenstown. Regular one-way lead-in fares start from $219^ Auckland-Rarotonga.

* Flights subject to government and regulatory approval. Flights originate in Australia.

^ Checked baggage not included. Sale fares not available on all flights or days and conditions apply. Prices are based on payment by direct deposit/POLi, or voucher for bookings through jetstar.com. For all other bookings, a Booking and Service Fee of $8.50 per passenger per international flight applies.

 Jetstar

Auckland,

07 October 2015

http://newsroom.jetstar.com/jetstar-launches-low-fares-to-rarotonga/

Air NZ sets bar high with new sustainability projects

Air New Zealand has launched a swathe of sustainability projects and goals as part of a new framework it says is aimed at being both economic and environmental. Chief executive Christopher Luxon unveiled the company's plans at a breakfast event in Auckland yesterday attended by several hundred business leaders and managers.

"The reality is people want jet travel," Luxon said. "There's no doubt about global aviation being very good for the world, it has huge economic and social benefits - but there's no hiding from it, it has an environmental negative and that's because the industry globally contributes about 2 to 4 per cent to global or greenhouse gas emissions which is significant.

"The challenge is a very real one and what we've signed up for are some pretty stretching targets."

Luxon said the company's goal was to supercharge New Zealand's success socially, environmentally and economically.

The success of the company was linked to that of the country, he said.

"Air New Zealand needs a strong and prosperous New Zealand and in turn, New Zealand needs a successful and thriving national airline."

The sustainability report is a result of research from the company's staff and customers focused on what they wanted to see from the airline.

Under the new plan, Air New Zealand will implement a supplier code of conduct to ensure its suppliers are committed to similar social and environmental goals, as well as using ethically sourced materials.

The carrier is also aiming to improve fuel efficiencies by 1.5 per cent between 2009 and 2020 as well as transitioning its road vehicle fleet to be 100 per cent electric, starting in the next few months.

"We want carbon neutral growth which is a really big challenge for us to deal with as a business," Luxon said.

"And then from 2050 we're talking about a reduction of 50 per cent in net emissions which is a big target.

"It's big because in the next five years this company will grow in excess of 30 per cent and our emissions we expect will grow by about 19 per cent."

Air New Zealand announced the extension of its partnerships with both the Department of Conservation, resulting in a further investment of $1 million annually, and with Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute.

"Key themes to emerge from the research were around enabling knowledge and inspiration as well as helping young Kiwis and emerging businesses to succeed. In the coming year we'll be launching several significant initiatives that support these themes," said Luxon.

The company's focus on sustainability and the environment was discussed with a panel including Luxon, Sir Jonathon Porritt, co-founder and director of Forum for the Future in the UK, and Dame Anne Salmond, New Zealand anthropologist, writer and distinguished professor of Maori Studies at the University of Auckland.

The goals

• Supplier code of conduct to ensure a commitment to similar social and environmental goals, as well as using ethically sourced materials.

• Improve fuel efficiencies by 1.5 per cent between 2009 and 2020.

• Transitioning the road vehicle fleet to be 100% electric.

• Long term goal for the company to be carbon neutral.

- NZ Herald

5:00 AM Thursday Sep 17, 2015

Current as of 01/10/15 12:19PM NZST

• Email Holly
• @HollyRoseRyan

Holly Ryan

Retail, Innovation and Manufacturing reporter for the NZ Herald

Airfare wars: No sign of slowing down

A price war being waged between New Zealand's two main airlines has resulted in a "a low fares bonanza" that appears set to continue into next year. Jetstar and Air New Zealand have been locking heads over domestic fares since the low-cost airline added Nelson, Napier, New Plymouth and Palmerston North to its domestic network.

It sold 16,000 flights priced at $9 during the launch on August 31.

Air NZ responded immediately by matching the $9 fares on its Grabaseat website.

The new competition between the airlines - previously restricted to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown - resulted in air fares dropping across the country.

READ MORE: Price slashes between Air New Zealand, Jetstar enter second week

And a month on, the cheap deals show no sign of abating.

Price checks on both airlines' websites show domestic one-way flights starting from between $35 and $89.

Qantas-owned Jetstar is offering the cheapest deals from Auckland to New Plymouth and Auckland to Palmerston North for just $35.

Air NZ has matched its budget competitor on $49 Auckland to Wellington flights.

A Jetstar spokesman said Kiwi domestic travellers were enjoying "a low fares bonanza" thanks its regional expansion.

"Services are continuing to sell well, particularly prior to Christmas," he said.

In the last financial year, more than 70 per cent Jetstar's domestic customers in New Zealand paid under $100 for their flight.

"We're very focused on playing our own game and growing the markets that we serve, helping more people to fly more often for less," the spokesman added.

Air NZ said investment in 30 jet and turboprop aircraft over the past five years had led to an increase in the number of regional seats it offers from some 10.4 million to about 11.6 million.

"This will grow further in [2016 financial year] as we deliver more capacity growth in domestic New Zealand," a spokeswoman said.

"This means more cheap seats than ever before for Kiwis.

"We have delivered reduced lead in fares to every one of the 22 domestic ports we operate to over the past six months or so and it is great to see customers snapping up our cheap seats."

Air NZ said it expected to deliver more than two million fares under $100 on its domestic network overall in the 2016 financial year.

Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said last month he felt "really comfortable" with the airline's ability compete.

In June, Jetstar announced it would expand into the regions and, after lobbying from regional mayors, airports and tourism promoters, the airline announced the winners on August 31.

Economic potential and the ability to support two airlines were the main criteria for choosing the destinations, to be served by five 50-seater Bombardier Q300s, with the first flights planned for this year.

Nelson-Auckland and Napier-Auckland flights would start the beginning of December while flights between New Plymouth-Auckland, Palmerston North-Auckland and Nelson-Wellington flights would follow early next year.

Cheapest one-way flight prices today

• Auckland - Napier: Jetstar: $39 Air NZ: $49 • Auckland - Nelson: Jetstar: $45 Air NZ: $59 • Auckland - New Plymouth: Jetstar: $35 Air NZ: $59 • Auckland - Palmerston North: Jetstar: $35 Air NZ: $69 • Auckland - Wellington: Jetstar: $49 Air NZ: $49 • Auckland - Christchurch: Jetstar: $45 Air NZ: $59 • Auckland - Queenstown: Jetstar: $49 Air NZ: $89

- NZME.

• Email Kurt
• @KurtBayerNZME

Kurt Bayer

Kurt Bayer is an NZME. News Service reporter 6:06 PM Wednesday Sep 30, 2015

Operators say drone 'hysteria' could derail benefits

Drone operators say a culture of "hysteria" around unmanned aerial vehicles threatens to ruin New Zealand's chances of benefiting from the technology.

Friday's reported near-miss between a remotely-piloted aircraft system (RPAS) and an Air New Zealand plane has sparked stern statements from the airline and from the Transport Minister.

But Digiflicks video producer Simon Baker, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator, says panic threatens to derail innovation in the industry.

"I understand the safety concerns," Mr Baker said.

"But the other concern is the hysteria around the word 'drone'. There are fixed-wings that are known as drones as well, not just multi-rotors like I use, and a lot of other people are using."

Mr Baker, of Christchurch, said UAVs offered benefits to law enforcement, surveying, forestry, and other industries.

He said most UAV operators would be very upset if a person had flown a drone so near a commercial aircraft.

"If that's what it transpires to be, then please punish that person. That's what we want - as an industry, we are all about safety as well."

Paihia entrepreneur Jeremy Vaughan said the law made insufficient distinction between recreational and commercial users and a "carte blanche" approach was stifling innovation.

Mr Vaughan said he wanted to develop a drone with heavy-lifting applications for agriculture.

He said New Zealand was falling "way behind the times" and risked missing out on advances in UAV science and technology.

Mr Vaughan said he was working to develop drones capable of carrying chainsaws and lifting weights above 55kg.

He said people should register as drone users, and understand the law, but certified commercial users should have different restrictions from recreational users.Recreational UAV flyer Max Whitehead said primary industries including forestry and farming would benefit from drone technology.

He said farmers could save time and money using UAVs to check on stock, instead of burning fuel on farm vehicles to cover large distances.

Mr Whitehead said some regulations were necessary, but the regulatory environment was already too restrictive for recreational users. He said an "over-zealous" approach was stifling technological development here.

Mr Whitehead, of Auckland's North Shore, said there were some people "looking for any opportunity to be concerned about drones".

Some operators have questioning claims the object spotted 6000ft above Canterbury was a drone.

Mr Baker said few UAVs in New Zealand could reach such a high altitude.

"Not many off the shelf will do that."

The operator of the object seen above Kaiapoi at 5.45pm on Friday has still not come forward.

Mr Baker said battery limitations made it difficult for many UAVs to fly so high.

He said fixed-wing UAVs could easily reach that height but few multi-rotor models could.

"To get that height if it was a UAV, a multi-rotor UAV, it takes a fair bit of power, a long-range antenna..."

In a statement on Saturday, Air New Zealand slammed what it called an "emerging trend of a reckless use of drones that puts the safety of customers and staff at risk".

Pilots' union NZALPA called for the compulsory installation of "see-and-avoid technology" on drones, identity markings on drones and education for all drone users.But the pilots' association also criticised the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for not being "proactive" about educating drone users.

The CAA was investigating the incident, which it called a "near-miss".

"While RPAS technology is advancing quickly and offers some very significant benefits to a range of industries it can pose a threat to conventional aviation activities and this must be carefully managed," the authority added.

The authority said rules varied for RPAS systems above and below 25Kg in weight.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said he was taking the Kaiapoi incident "very seriously".

He said regulations effective since August 1 meant any RPAS operator must get CAA approval to fly at night, beyond line of sight, or above 400ft.

Apart from safety concerns, drones have in some cases raised fears over privacy.

In July, Simon Done was sentenced to 80 hours' community work and ordered to pay reparations after stomping on Aaron Wagstaff's drone in Waikanae, north of Wellington.

In August, the Privacy Commissioner shot down a complaint from a Wellington resident who complained about a Sky TV drone flying during a cricket test at the Basin reserve.

The same month, new rules required drone users to have consent of people and property owners before flying over them.

Today, a Privacy Commissioner spokesman said no further complaints about drones had been received.

- NZME.

8:41 PM Monday Sep 28, 2015

John Weekes John Weekes is an NZME News Service reporter based in Wellington.

- Additional reporting: Jimmy Ellingham

New airport terminal confirmed for Nelson Airport

Rob - small file

Nelson Airport has confirmed it will build a new airport terminal on its existing site. The Board of Nelson Airport announced on Monday it would build a new terminal, rather than remediate the existing building, to meet the future needs of the region.

Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans said the decision to rebuild rather than remediate was the most feasible option in terms costs, project time and inconvenience for airport users.

He said a rebuild was needed to keep up with an "extraordinary" growth in passengers at the terminal over the next two years. Evans estimated by the end of 2017 there would be more than 1 million passengers with over 300 flights per week at the airport.

"That is extraordinary for a regional destination," he said.

The current building is about 40 years old.

The Airport made the decision to rebuild after appointing Wellington-based firms Studio Pacific Architects and Impact Project Management to conduct a feasibility study. The firms began assessments of the airport back in April with input from structural and services engineers and quantity surveyors.

"The review was very comprehensive and we received compelling reasons why a new build is the best way to provide an airport of the future that will meet our region's growth aspirations," said Evans.

Evans said the Airport would provide further details about project timing, total costs and designs in early 2016.

Air New Zealand Group general manager airports John Whittaker said the airline welcomed the announcement.

"We continue to significantly grow capacity on our Nelson services and look forward to working closely with the Nelson Airport Company on the designs and requirements for the future terminal," he said.

The announcement comes as additional airlines take to Nelson skies this year, including Jetstar, which will fly to Wellington and Auckland from December. Originair has also commenced their service to Palmerston North last month and Kiwi Regional Airlines will start flying direct from Nelson to Dunedin, Hamilton and Queenstown at the end of October.

Nelson Airport is currently working with Nelson Pine Industries ahead of the rebuild on potential use of their products. It is also working with Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council as a way to keep the community up to date with the developments.

 - Stuff