New Masterton-Auckland service launched

The new route will be operated six days a week by Eagle Air, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, utilising a 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.

Eagle Air General Manager Grant Kerr said today he was thrilled to expand the airline's regional operations into Masterton.

Mr Kerr says he is expecting particularly strong interest for the new service from business travellers throughout the Wairarapa.

"There are a number of private and public sector businesses in Masterton that have strong connections in Auckland and elsewhere on the New Zealand network," he says.

"The new schedule has been designed primarily to meet the needs of business customers, with a 7.05am departure from Masterton and an early evening return service. We will also be offering a service departing Masterton on Friday evenings to suit customers looking to spend the weekend in Auckland."

Mr Kerr hopes the new service will stimulate tourism into the Wairarapa - one of New Zealand's leading wine regions - by making it even more accessible to leisure travellers.

"Wairarapa region is an extremely attractive destination for both New Zealand and international travellers. Customers wanting to spend a weekend in wine country or attend events such as Toast Martinborough will now have the advantage of being able to fly into the region directly, rather than having to fly into Wellington or Palmerston North and then travel by road.

Mr Kerr says the new service will also benefit international travellers by making it more convenient for them to connect to flights from Auckland.

Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell today welcomed Air New Zealand's move, saying the improved links between Wairarapa and Auckland would boost business and tourism within the region.

"This service is going to be great for Wairarapa, putting us even more firmly on the map. There's something for everyone here, be it a family holiday or a weekend getaway with our award-winning wines in mind.

"And the business community will certainly benefit from being able to easily get in and out of Auckland in one day," Mr Daniell said.

Mr Kerr says Air New Zealand has been working very closely and constructively with the Masterton District Council over the past year and was appreciative of their strong support for establishing a commercial air service into the region.

Lead-in online fares between Masterton and Auckland begin from $105 one way per person and will be available for purchase on www.airnewzealand.co.nz from mid October.

The following schedule is effective 16 February 2009:

ENDS

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