Air New Zealand to commence trans-Tasman services from Rotorua

Air New Zealand General Manager Tasman Pacific Airline Glen Sowry announced today the service would launch on 12 December, utilising a 152-seat A320 aircraft.

The airline will operate a twice weekly service from 19 December on Saturdays and Mondays until the end of January, after which they will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

"Rotorua is an iconic tourism destination and well known amongst Australian travellers. We see the potential for good passenger numbers from Australia and the continued strength of inbound tourism from there has lent weight to our decision," says Mr Sowry.

"The new services will also make Rotorua significantly more accessible for visitors from Asia who often visit both Australia and New Zealand and whom we can now bring directly from Sydney to Rotorua instead of via Auckland.

"Through winter the new service also provides significant opportunities in attracting more Australian skiers to the Central North Island ski fields, something I'm sure Mt Ruapehu and nearby businesses will be looking forward to."

Mr Sowry says Air New Zealand had been working closely with Rotorua Airport to launch the new service, with strong support from key tourism and business operators.

"The new flights will position Rotorua as the gateway to the Central North Island and also provide residents from Tauranga, Taupo, Whakatane, Hawke's Bay and other areas across the region with a more convenient and competitive trans-Tasman service.

"Although the Tasman remains one of our most challenging markets we will continue to look for opportunities to grow visitor numbers into New Zealand particularly where there is a strong community desire to support the service."

Year round fares are available from $249 one way at www.airnewzealand.com.au.

The schedule (subject to regulatory approval) is as follows:

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Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs, phone +64 9 336 2761