Air NZ in the news
Jan 8, 2008, 3:50 pm
#2926
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
A1 car and Boeing 777 race at Auckland Airport (+video/photos)
A1GP driver Jonny Reid and a Boeing 777 shared the honours after two races in this morning's ultimate quest for speed race at Auckland International Airport.
The Air New Zealand Boeing 777, which was piloted by Captain Dave Morgan, took advantage of a size handicap and local knowledge of the tarmac to pip Reid's Black Beauty in the first race.
The Boeing eventually reached a take-off of just under 270km p/h, with Reid's Black Beauty reaching nearly 300km p/h, racing past the Boeing just as it left the tarmac and took to the sky.
But the A1 supremo struck back to take the chequered flag in race two.
Black Beauty driver Jonny Reid said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and something he would not forget.
"It was just fantastic, a mind blowing experience. We were running out of revs pretty much just on the limit all the way down the end but we managed to blow the triple seven....
The Air New Zealand Boeing 777, which was piloted by Captain Dave Morgan, took advantage of a size handicap and local knowledge of the tarmac to pip Reid's Black Beauty in the first race.
The Boeing eventually reached a take-off of just under 270km p/h, with Reid's Black Beauty reaching nearly 300km p/h, racing past the Boeing just as it left the tarmac and took to the sky.
But the A1 supremo struck back to take the chequered flag in race two.
Black Beauty driver Jonny Reid said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and something he would not forget.
"It was just fantastic, a mind blowing experience. We were running out of revs pretty much just on the limit all the way down the end but we managed to blow the triple seven....
Jan 8, 2008, 4:08 pm
#2927
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,423
Air New Zealand spokeswoman Tracey Palmer said the airline did not charge a separate fuel surcharge.
NZ again being economical with the truth.
Jan 11, 2008, 5:42 pm
#2928
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Passengers two hours on tarmac
A bad day for Freedom Air leaves a sour taste of winding down, write Grant Miller and Katie Chapman
A regular Australian visitor to Palmerston North, whose flight to Sydney was delayed several hours on Wednesday, wonders if Freedom Air is losing interest in providing a good service before it winds up in March.
Dr Erik Eklund, a senior arts lecturer at the University of Newcastle, was disgusted that family members in Palmerston North waiting to watch his plane take off were left in the dark about why it didn't.
The A320 had a part that needed to be replaced before the Airbus could fly. Passengers waited on the plane while arrangements were made to get that done....
A regular Australian visitor to Palmerston North, whose flight to Sydney was delayed several hours on Wednesday, wonders if Freedom Air is losing interest in providing a good service before it winds up in March.
Dr Erik Eklund, a senior arts lecturer at the University of Newcastle, was disgusted that family members in Palmerston North waiting to watch his plane take off were left in the dark about why it didn't.
The A320 had a part that needed to be replaced before the Airbus could fly. Passengers waited on the plane while arrangements were made to get that done....
Jan 11, 2008, 5:43 pm
#2929
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Mega-rich join queue for Air NZ's skills
Air New Zealand's has ambitious plans to earn big money from niches like cabin design, pilot training and biofuel. Roeland van den Bergh talks to chief executive Rob Fyfe.
Air New Zealand engineers are quietly working on top-secret aircraft at the Woodbourne air base as part of a new strategy for the airline to boost revenue.
Unmarked Boeing 737 aircraft are flown direct from their United States factory to the air base near Blenheim as little more than shells.
Two months later they emerge from the hangar at Air New Zealand's engineering subsidiary Safe Air, fitted out with luxurious private jet interiors for their super-wealthy owners....
Air New Zealand engineers are quietly working on top-secret aircraft at the Woodbourne air base as part of a new strategy for the airline to boost revenue.
Unmarked Boeing 737 aircraft are flown direct from their United States factory to the air base near Blenheim as little more than shells.
Two months later they emerge from the hangar at Air New Zealand's engineering subsidiary Safe Air, fitted out with luxurious private jet interiors for their super-wealthy owners....
Jan 13, 2008, 4:49 pm
#2930
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Hydraulic leak closes Wellington airport runway
An airliner leaking hydraulic fluid caused the closure of the runway at Wellington airport this morning.
The runway was closed for approximately 20 minutes from 9.30am when the leak was found after an Air New Zealand Boeing 737 had landed, Radio New Zealand reported....
The runway was closed for approximately 20 minutes from 9.30am when the leak was found after an Air New Zealand Boeing 737 had landed, Radio New Zealand reported....
Jan 14, 2008, 10:37 pm
#2931
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Domestic jet links possible
Palmerston North will welcome the chance to prove it can support domestic jet services if Air New Zealand uses the city in a six-month trial, city leaders say.
The city is up against three others - Hamilton, Invercargill and Dunedin - for two slots in Air New Zealand trials using Boeing 737s on regional routes.
If Palmerston North gets the nod as one of two cities favoured for the trial, the domestic jet service would be aimed primarily at peak-time business travellers....
The city is up against three others - Hamilton, Invercargill and Dunedin - for two slots in Air New Zealand trials using Boeing 737s on regional routes.
If Palmerston North gets the nod as one of two cities favoured for the trial, the domestic jet service would be aimed primarily at peak-time business travellers....
Jan 14, 2008, 10:38 pm
#2932
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Editorial: Tell Air NZ it can keep its jets
What is Air New Zealand playing at now?
A couple of months ago it pulled its 737s out of Palmerston North so it could use them more profitably elsewhere.
This week it is looking at provincial airports it may be able to fly two 737s into - including possibly Palmerston North.
The jets were pulled from the trans-Tasman route. Fortunately, Australian airline Ozjet has agreed to fill the gap left by our state-owned carrier....
A couple of months ago it pulled its 737s out of Palmerston North so it could use them more profitably elsewhere.
This week it is looking at provincial airports it may be able to fly two 737s into - including possibly Palmerston North.
The jets were pulled from the trans-Tasman route. Fortunately, Australian airline Ozjet has agreed to fill the gap left by our state-owned carrier....
Jan 14, 2008, 10:38 pm
#2933
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Hamilton chases 737s
Waikato business people are hoping Air New Zealand plans to return domestic Boeing 737 flights to and from Hamilton will take off.
Hamilton International Airport is one of three airports vying for a six-month trial which could see two 737 flights to and from Hamilton five days a week.
Air New Zealand last flew jets from Hamilton about eight years ago.
Air New Zealand's head of short haul airlines, Bruce Parton, said there was still a lot of work to be done before the airline decided which airports would host the trials later in the year....
Hamilton International Airport is one of three airports vying for a six-month trial which could see two 737 flights to and from Hamilton five days a week.
Air New Zealand last flew jets from Hamilton about eight years ago.
Air New Zealand's head of short haul airlines, Bruce Parton, said there was still a lot of work to be done before the airline decided which airports would host the trials later in the year....
Jan 15, 2008, 9:08 pm
#2934
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Press Release: Air NZ to launch Whakatane-Wellington service
Air New Zealand is to launch a direct service six days a week between Whakatane and Wellington.
The new service will be operated by Air New Zealand subsidiary Eagle Air, which will trial the route for six months from 19 May 2008 using a 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.
General Manager Grant Kerr said today the service was in response to strong and enthusiastic demand from Whakatane travellers, who currently travel to and from Wellington via Auckland, Rotorua or Tauranga.
“We’re delighted to be able to introduce this new direct service, which will reduce our Whakatane customers’ travel time by at least an hour,” he says.
Mr Kerr says the Whakatane-Wellington service is a logical addition to Eagle Air’s network. Air New Zealand last operated the route in 1999, but it was not sustainable at that time.
“Given the rapid growth in the Eastern Bay of Plenty we were keen to revisit the viability of a direct service into and out of Whakatane, given its status as the major service centre for the region.
“We were also cognisant of the fact that Whakatane is currently the only North Island port to the South of Auckland without a direct air service to Wellington, and that was an obvious gap in our regional network.
“We’re really pleased to be able to provide a convenient new service to both business and leisure travellers in Whakatane, and hope the local community will get behind it and provide us with the incentive to continue it permanently.”
The Mayor of Whakatane Colin Holmes has welcomed Air New Zealand’s decision.
Mr Holmes says despite this being a six month trial, the Eastern Bay of Plenty is the growth area of the future and this service will become permanent as a matter of course.
“I challenge the business community, especially the tourism industry to make full use of this service and not only guarantee that this service becomes a permanent feature but also create greater demand for increased services to the capital.”
Mr Holmes says the trial is the result of discussions between Air New Zealand and the Council and the Eastern Bay is looking forward to a productive long term partnership with Air New Zealand.
Mr Kerr says Eagle Air is committed to delivering a high level of service to those in smaller centres in New Zealand, and the new service will well complement its existing network.
The new direct service will operate return trips six days a week, with the schedule timed particularly to meet the needs of business travellers and those wishing to connect on to and from the South Island.
Tickets are available now at www.airnewzealand.co.nz, with one-way smart saver fares starting from $99.
Whakatane-Wellington schedule details:
Sector Departs/Arrives Day
WHK-WLG 0725/0840 Mon-Fri
WLG-WHK 1845/1955 Mon-Fri, plus Sun
WHK-WLG 2010/2125 Fri only
The new service will be operated by Air New Zealand subsidiary Eagle Air, which will trial the route for six months from 19 May 2008 using a 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.
General Manager Grant Kerr said today the service was in response to strong and enthusiastic demand from Whakatane travellers, who currently travel to and from Wellington via Auckland, Rotorua or Tauranga.
“We’re delighted to be able to introduce this new direct service, which will reduce our Whakatane customers’ travel time by at least an hour,” he says.
Mr Kerr says the Whakatane-Wellington service is a logical addition to Eagle Air’s network. Air New Zealand last operated the route in 1999, but it was not sustainable at that time.
“Given the rapid growth in the Eastern Bay of Plenty we were keen to revisit the viability of a direct service into and out of Whakatane, given its status as the major service centre for the region.
“We were also cognisant of the fact that Whakatane is currently the only North Island port to the South of Auckland without a direct air service to Wellington, and that was an obvious gap in our regional network.
“We’re really pleased to be able to provide a convenient new service to both business and leisure travellers in Whakatane, and hope the local community will get behind it and provide us with the incentive to continue it permanently.”
The Mayor of Whakatane Colin Holmes has welcomed Air New Zealand’s decision.
Mr Holmes says despite this being a six month trial, the Eastern Bay of Plenty is the growth area of the future and this service will become permanent as a matter of course.
“I challenge the business community, especially the tourism industry to make full use of this service and not only guarantee that this service becomes a permanent feature but also create greater demand for increased services to the capital.”
Mr Holmes says the trial is the result of discussions between Air New Zealand and the Council and the Eastern Bay is looking forward to a productive long term partnership with Air New Zealand.
Mr Kerr says Eagle Air is committed to delivering a high level of service to those in smaller centres in New Zealand, and the new service will well complement its existing network.
The new direct service will operate return trips six days a week, with the schedule timed particularly to meet the needs of business travellers and those wishing to connect on to and from the South Island.
Tickets are available now at www.airnewzealand.co.nz, with one-way smart saver fares starting from $99.
Whakatane-Wellington schedule details:
Sector Departs/Arrives Day
WHK-WLG 0725/0840 Mon-Fri
WLG-WHK 1845/1955 Mon-Fri, plus Sun
WHK-WLG 2010/2125 Fri only
Jan 16, 2008, 10:41 am
#2935
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,423
Air NZ confident 787 will be on time
NZ Herald
NZ Herald
Air New Zealand remains confident its Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be delivered on time despite signs of increasing production delays.
Boeing is poised to announce that first deliveries of the carbon composite aircraft will be delayed by a further three months, leaving the programme up to 10 months behind schedule.
Air New Zealand is paying $1.68 billion for eight long-range 787-9 aircraft, due to be delivered from the end of 2010.
...
Boeing is poised to announce that first deliveries of the carbon composite aircraft will be delayed by a further three months, leaving the programme up to 10 months behind schedule.
Air New Zealand is paying $1.68 billion for eight long-range 787-9 aircraft, due to be delivered from the end of 2010.
...
Jan 24, 2008, 7:10 pm
#2937
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Domestic Fares Revision
Air New Zealand is pleased to announce a revision of our domestic fares structure available for sale from today, 25 January 2008, for domestic travel commencing on or after Saturday, 23 February 2008.
These changes result in reductions of between 9%-27% on lead in Smart Saver fares on 37 direct domestic routes. These new lead in fare levels will be released alongside reductions of up to 30% on our highest Flexi Fares on a number of regional routes and reductions of 15% on YFLEXI fares between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Highlights of the Domestic changes are as follows:
Introduction of PSMART fares on AKL-DUD/ZQN, CHCZQN & WLG-DUD/ZQN
Reduction of KSMART fares on over 30 other direct routes
Introduction of S & L class levels on some routes previously not offered
Reduction of various Smart Saver, Flexi Saver and Flexi Fares on a number of routes across the domestic network
Reduction of top end fares of up to 30% on selected regional routes
Reduction of YFLEXI fares by 15% on the domestic main trunk
No further reduction to lead ins on AKLWLG, WLGCHC or AKLCHC
Not all domestic fares are affected, but no domestic fares are increasing in this restructure
These changes result in reductions of between 9%-27% on lead in Smart Saver fares on 37 direct domestic routes. These new lead in fare levels will be released alongside reductions of up to 30% on our highest Flexi Fares on a number of regional routes and reductions of 15% on YFLEXI fares between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Highlights of the Domestic changes are as follows:
Introduction of PSMART fares on AKL-DUD/ZQN, CHCZQN & WLG-DUD/ZQN
Reduction of KSMART fares on over 30 other direct routes
Introduction of S & L class levels on some routes previously not offered
Reduction of various Smart Saver, Flexi Saver and Flexi Fares on a number of routes across the domestic network
Reduction of top end fares of up to 30% on selected regional routes
Reduction of YFLEXI fares by 15% on the domestic main trunk
No further reduction to lead ins on AKLWLG, WLGCHC or AKLCHC
Not all domestic fares are affected, but no domestic fares are increasing in this restructure
Jan 24, 2008, 7:15 pm
#2938
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,423
That must just about be a first. No increases! (Unless they're coming next week?)
Jan 24, 2008, 11:58 pm
#2939
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,423
It seems not.
NZ Herald
NZ Herald
Air New Zealand is cutting domestic air fares by up to 30 per cent to stimulate demand, as the airline struggles to fill increased numbers of seats.
...
High fuel prices meant that price cuts were not across the board, but there were no domestic price increases planned, Mr Fyfe said.
"We wouldn't be creating a fanfare if we didn't expect they were sustainable, but I certainly couldn't go as far as guaranteeing their sustainability. So yes, if we see fuel prices continue up then we'll have to review our prices."
...
...
High fuel prices meant that price cuts were not across the board, but there were no domestic price increases planned, Mr Fyfe said.
"We wouldn't be creating a fanfare if we didn't expect they were sustainable, but I certainly couldn't go as far as guaranteeing their sustainability. So yes, if we see fuel prices continue up then we'll have to review our prices."
...
Jan 25, 2008, 12:01 am
#2940
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,423
Spend on NZ domestic travel up $1b
NZ Herald
NZ Herald
New Zealanders spent $8 billion on domestic travel in the year to September 30, $1 billion more than the year before, according to a Tourism Ministry survey.
Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor, who released the figures, said it was good news for local businesses.
He said domestic tourism was the backbone of the tourism industry, which now contributed 9 per cent of New Zealand's gross domestic product.
Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor, who released the figures, said it was good news for local businesses.
He said domestic tourism was the backbone of the tourism industry, which now contributed 9 per cent of New Zealand's gross domestic product.