Air NZ in the news
May 1, 2009, 5:45 pm
#3601
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Air NZ asks managers to take over the drinks trolley
Air New Zealand has asked management staff to "muck in" on Tasman and Pacific flights to cover for striking cabin staff next week.
With a four-day strike by 250 union members looming, the airline is turning to other staff to help out.
An internal memo reveals that although Air New Zealand expects to have 100 trained flight attendants available to work through the strike by employees of its Zeal subsidiary, it needs extra help to ensure "we can continue to deliver a great customer experience."
The memo from Tasman Pacific Airline general manager Glen Sowry says:
"If you are able to do more than one day, that would be great."
Volunteers are promised tickets for passenger seats on Air NZ's Airbus A320 fleet, but once seatbelt signs are off, they will assist with "handing out meals and drinks, etc"....
With a four-day strike by 250 union members looming, the airline is turning to other staff to help out.
An internal memo reveals that although Air New Zealand expects to have 100 trained flight attendants available to work through the strike by employees of its Zeal subsidiary, it needs extra help to ensure "we can continue to deliver a great customer experience."
The memo from Tasman Pacific Airline general manager Glen Sowry says:
"If you are able to do more than one day, that would be great."
Volunteers are promised tickets for passenger seats on Air NZ's Airbus A320 fleet, but once seatbelt signs are off, they will assist with "handing out meals and drinks, etc"....
Hopefully the level of service will improve.
May 6, 2009, 2:02 am
#3602
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Fyfe memo reveals Air NZ revamp
As Air New Zealand posted gloomy March operating statistics, showing deteriorating yields and declining traffic numbers, chief executive Rob Fyfe was talking up plans with staff about a revitalisation of the business.
According to a confidential internal memo obtained by BusinessDay and sent by Mr Fyfe to staff the same day, plans are afoot for new acquisitions, to revamp livery, including jazzing up the koru on the tail, scrap the widely criticised uniforms, introduce a new seat for aircraft and spend $35 million on staff training, development, marketing and communication....
According to a confidential internal memo obtained by BusinessDay and sent by Mr Fyfe to staff the same day, plans are afoot for new acquisitions, to revamp livery, including jazzing up the koru on the tail, scrap the widely criticised uniforms, introduce a new seat for aircraft and spend $35 million on staff training, development, marketing and communication....
May 6, 2009, 2:03 am
#3603
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
City may get cheaper flights
Cheaper airfares could soon take off for southerners as budget airline Pacific Blue touches down to test Invercargill's runway this week.
Pacific Blue general manager for commercial air Adrian Hamilton-Manns confirmed yesterday the airline would be visiting Invercargill Airport on Thursday with its new 100-seater Embraer E190 jet.
The budget airline has said Invercargill has been on its radar for some time and came close to landing here in April last year, but instead chose Dunedin Airport to start a new southern route with its Boeing 737-800. At the time the company said it was committed to bringing cheaper flights further south but has not shown any further interest until now.
Mr Hamilton-Manns would not confirm whether Thursday's visit meant the plane would be commissioned to a new Invercargill-Auckland route....
Pacific Blue general manager for commercial air Adrian Hamilton-Manns confirmed yesterday the airline would be visiting Invercargill Airport on Thursday with its new 100-seater Embraer E190 jet.
The budget airline has said Invercargill has been on its radar for some time and came close to landing here in April last year, but instead chose Dunedin Airport to start a new southern route with its Boeing 737-800. At the time the company said it was committed to bringing cheaper flights further south but has not shown any further interest until now.
Mr Hamilton-Manns would not confirm whether Thursday's visit meant the plane would be commissioned to a new Invercargill-Auckland route....
May 6, 2009, 2:04 am
#3604
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Airfares in a dive
Airfares are plummeting to near record lows, giving Kiwis bargain prices for overseas holidays.
Travel agents are offering return trips to London for as little as $1599. Last year the same trip would have cost about $2300.
Adjusted for inflation, the same trip in 1989 cost the equivalent of $3500, more than double today's lowest fares.
Airlines are drastically cutting prices in an effort to attract enough passengers to cover the compulsory airport and government costs levied on overseas flights. A $199 return fare to Sydney, after removing the airport taxes, levies and security charges of about $160 per ticket, translates to a fare of just $39.
The number of Kiwis holidaying overseas fell by 3 per cent for the year ending in March, and 6 per cent for the month of March itself....
Travel agents are offering return trips to London for as little as $1599. Last year the same trip would have cost about $2300.
Adjusted for inflation, the same trip in 1989 cost the equivalent of $3500, more than double today's lowest fares.
Airlines are drastically cutting prices in an effort to attract enough passengers to cover the compulsory airport and government costs levied on overseas flights. A $199 return fare to Sydney, after removing the airport taxes, levies and security charges of about $160 per ticket, translates to a fare of just $39.
The number of Kiwis holidaying overseas fell by 3 per cent for the year ending in March, and 6 per cent for the month of March itself....
May 6, 2009, 2:05 am
#3605
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Air NZ accused of "siege mentality"
The union representing Air New Zealand cabin crew says the airline has adopted a "siege mentality" ahead of a four-day strike set down for Thursday.
Two hundred and forty employees of Air NZ subsidiary Zeal are to due walk off the job after two months of negotiations between The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EMPU) and Air NZ failed to resolve a pay dispute.
EPMU communications advisor Rob Egan says Air NZ has contacted a union member holidaying in India to say leave has been cancelled and to return to the country immediately....
Two hundred and forty employees of Air NZ subsidiary Zeal are to due walk off the job after two months of negotiations between The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EMPU) and Air NZ failed to resolve a pay dispute.
EPMU communications advisor Rob Egan says Air NZ has contacted a union member holidaying in India to say leave has been cancelled and to return to the country immediately....
May 6, 2009, 2:05 am
#3606
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
New role for airway boss
Air Nelson general manager John Hambleton is to become Air New Zealand's troubleshooter for its three regional airlines, reviewing their operations.
He denied it was a hatchet man role, saying he was a business builder instead.
Mr Hambleton, who has headed Air Nelson for eight years, will take on the role of project director-regional review, from July 1....
He denied it was a hatchet man role, saying he was a business builder instead.
Mr Hambleton, who has headed Air Nelson for eight years, will take on the role of project director-regional review, from July 1....
May 6, 2009, 2:06 am
#3607
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Emergency landing at Tauranga Airport
"Oh bugger'' was all pilot Peter Grundy had time to think before the nose wheel of a Piper Lance failed on landing at Tauranga Airport yesterday.
Mr Grundy, a retired Air New Zealand pilot, was at the controls when the aircraft lost its electrics after striking turbulence about 3pm, about 32km north of the city....
Mr Grundy, a retired Air New Zealand pilot, was at the controls when the aircraft lost its electrics after striking turbulence about 3pm, about 32km north of the city....
May 6, 2009, 2:06 am
#3608
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Press Release - Wellington Airport ready to Samba
Wellington Airport is excited by the arrival of Pacific Blues Brazilian-made Embraer 190 E-Jet into New Zealand.
Competition brings down fares and stimulates travel, with huge benefits for regional tourism and business. This aircraft opens up the potential for routes such as Wellington to Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown and Hamilton to enjoy explosive growth, said Steven Fitzgerald, CEO.
In the months following Pacific Blues arrival on the main trunk in November 2007, travel to Auckland and Christchurch increased by up to 30%. Over the last financial year, domestic passengers at Wellington Airport increased 5.2% to 4.6 million due to the introduction of Pacific Blue domestic services and the other airlines competitive response.
The arrival of the 104-seat jet at Wellington today is part of an around New Zealand tour to test the aircraft in New Zealand and to gauge feedback on suitability for operations
This could provide very important stimulation of demand in the regions and a boost to domestic tourism in a general economic downturn, he said.
Wellington Airport released its draft Master Plan to 2030 last week. This forecast passenger numbers to double to over 10m by 2030, generating an additional 11,500 jobs and $1.6 billion in annual output for the Wellington region.
The Wellington region would benefit enormously by competition and better connectivity to the regions and to Australia and the Pacific, said Mr Fitzgerald.
Trans-Tasman routes have remained competitive at Wellington during the last financial year. In particular, the Brisbane route has benefitted from additional capacity from both Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand with the passenger numbers up by 27%.
Wellington Airports continued investment in quality airport infrastructure has been vital in enabling new services to the Wellington market. Competition between airlines ensures that visitors and Wellingtonians are offered the competitive air fares that are crucial to tourism, business and the Wellington lifestyle.
We are committed to continuing to play a key role in attracting new services to Wellington, said Mr Fitzgerald.
Competition brings down fares and stimulates travel, with huge benefits for regional tourism and business. This aircraft opens up the potential for routes such as Wellington to Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown and Hamilton to enjoy explosive growth, said Steven Fitzgerald, CEO.
In the months following Pacific Blues arrival on the main trunk in November 2007, travel to Auckland and Christchurch increased by up to 30%. Over the last financial year, domestic passengers at Wellington Airport increased 5.2% to 4.6 million due to the introduction of Pacific Blue domestic services and the other airlines competitive response.
The arrival of the 104-seat jet at Wellington today is part of an around New Zealand tour to test the aircraft in New Zealand and to gauge feedback on suitability for operations
This could provide very important stimulation of demand in the regions and a boost to domestic tourism in a general economic downturn, he said.
Wellington Airport released its draft Master Plan to 2030 last week. This forecast passenger numbers to double to over 10m by 2030, generating an additional 11,500 jobs and $1.6 billion in annual output for the Wellington region.
The Wellington region would benefit enormously by competition and better connectivity to the regions and to Australia and the Pacific, said Mr Fitzgerald.
Trans-Tasman routes have remained competitive at Wellington during the last financial year. In particular, the Brisbane route has benefitted from additional capacity from both Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand with the passenger numbers up by 27%.
Wellington Airports continued investment in quality airport infrastructure has been vital in enabling new services to the Wellington market. Competition between airlines ensures that visitors and Wellingtonians are offered the competitive air fares that are crucial to tourism, business and the Wellington lifestyle.
We are committed to continuing to play a key role in attracting new services to Wellington, said Mr Fitzgerald.
May 6, 2009, 2:07 am
#3609
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Pacific Blue set to take on Air NZ's regional dominance
Christchurch-based Pacific Blue Airlines is considering operating jet services on New Zealand regional routes to break Air New Zealands monopoly in the sector.
The carrier has in the past few months been in talks with regional airport management including Hamilton, Palmerston North and Rotorua about a second-tier schedule.
Pacific Blue today began a three-day tour of regional airports with the Brazilian-built 104-seat Embraer 190 E-Jet it would use on the services. The aircraft was expected to be in Auckland late today.
Pacific Blue has operated 180-seat Boeing 737-800s on New Zealand domestic trunk routes for the past 18 months and commercial general manager Adrian Hamilton-Manns said other tempting opportunities existed in the market....
The carrier has in the past few months been in talks with regional airport management including Hamilton, Palmerston North and Rotorua about a second-tier schedule.
Pacific Blue today began a three-day tour of regional airports with the Brazilian-built 104-seat Embraer 190 E-Jet it would use on the services. The aircraft was expected to be in Auckland late today.
Pacific Blue has operated 180-seat Boeing 737-800s on New Zealand domestic trunk routes for the past 18 months and commercial general manager Adrian Hamilton-Manns said other tempting opportunities existed in the market....
May 6, 2009, 2:12 am
#3610
In memoriam
Join Date: May 2008
Location: AKL
Programs: QF WP & AA EXP
Posts: 5,233
You know ntddevsys, you're almost faster than my Google News alerts for this stuff... 
May 6, 2009, 2:40 am
#3611
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Additional Capacity between Auckland and Rarotonga
Air New Zealand wishes to advise that due to strong demand the following services have been upgauged:
Previous Details: New Details:
Dates: Route: Flight #: Timings: Aircraft: Flight #: Timings: Aircraft:
04 Jul & 01, 8, 15, 22 Aug 09 AKL/RAR NZ846 1550/2110-1 A320 NZ46 1030/1615-1 767-300
03 & 31 Jul & 07, 14, 21 Aug 09 RAR/AKL NZ845 2210/0045+2 A320 NZ45 1730/2000+1 767-300
To accommodate the upgauges there have been some changes to NAN and APW timings and services over this period.
Previous Details: New Details:
Dates: Route: Flight #: Timings: Aircraft: Flight #: Timings: Aircraft:
04 Jul & 01, 8, 15, 22 Aug 09 AKL/RAR NZ846 1550/2110-1 A320 NZ46 1030/1615-1 767-300
03 & 31 Jul & 07, 14, 21 Aug 09 RAR/AKL NZ845 2210/0045+2 A320 NZ45 1730/2000+1 767-300
To accommodate the upgauges there have been some changes to NAN and APW timings and services over this period.
May 9, 2009, 10:57 pm
#3613
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Chamber of Commerce attacks Air NZ
Air New Zealand has been described as "abusing" its position with the cancellation of Dunedin flights while extracting a "premium" on fares, the Otago Chamber of Commerce has claimed.
In a stinging newsletter to the chamber's 1500 member-businesses this week, chief executive John Christie rounded on the Government-owned national carrier, saying the recent cancellation of southern flights had "done nothing" to promote regional New Zealand as a place to run a business and was also detrimental to tourism.
"Don't abuse your position. We are not stupid," Mr Christie said....
In a stinging newsletter to the chamber's 1500 member-businesses this week, chief executive John Christie rounded on the Government-owned national carrier, saying the recent cancellation of southern flights had "done nothing" to promote regional New Zealand as a place to run a business and was also detrimental to tourism.
"Don't abuse your position. We are not stupid," Mr Christie said....
May 9, 2009, 10:57 pm
#3614
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Press Release - Air NZ claims are false - EPMU
Air New Zealands media claims regarding Zeal 320 negotiations are patently false says the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.
The airline has claimed Zeal crew receive pay rates starting at more than $40,000, that the union has refused to negotiate and that they are claiming parity with international crew. None of which bear scrutiny.
EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the false claims show the company has no real argument.
The pay rates the company are claiming are absurd and if they were really guaranteeing our members the rates they claim then this industrial action wouldnt be happening.
During negotiations weve reduced our claims to below the terms and conditions domestic crew receive and the company still hasnt moved. To claim our members are demanding parity with international crew is a blatant lie.
Weve made ourselves available to negotiate for nearly eight months now even after the airline complicated the matter by insisting I personally turn up to the table. By comparison Rob Fyfe refused to front for even an hour, even though he calls the shots and seems to have plenty of time to serve coffee to passengers.
This whole line of argument from Air New Zealand is an obvious attempt to divert from the real issue, which is that these workers are paid thousands less despite doing the same work, wearing the same uniforms and flying to the same destinations as crew employed directly by Air New Zealand.
Locked out Zeal 320 crew member and Air New Zealand award winner, Stephanie Jeeves, says the companys claims are an insult.
Weve done the same job as other Air New Zealand crew for years and been paid thousands of dollars less than domestic, let alone international, and to now have the company misrepresenting our pay rates is a slap in the face.
If Air New Zealand want to offer us the domestic deal well take it, Id like to see them put their money where their mouth is.
The EPMU represents 240 of approximately 270 Zeal 320 crew.
The airline has claimed Zeal crew receive pay rates starting at more than $40,000, that the union has refused to negotiate and that they are claiming parity with international crew. None of which bear scrutiny.
EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the false claims show the company has no real argument.
The pay rates the company are claiming are absurd and if they were really guaranteeing our members the rates they claim then this industrial action wouldnt be happening.
During negotiations weve reduced our claims to below the terms and conditions domestic crew receive and the company still hasnt moved. To claim our members are demanding parity with international crew is a blatant lie.
Weve made ourselves available to negotiate for nearly eight months now even after the airline complicated the matter by insisting I personally turn up to the table. By comparison Rob Fyfe refused to front for even an hour, even though he calls the shots and seems to have plenty of time to serve coffee to passengers.
This whole line of argument from Air New Zealand is an obvious attempt to divert from the real issue, which is that these workers are paid thousands less despite doing the same work, wearing the same uniforms and flying to the same destinations as crew employed directly by Air New Zealand.
Locked out Zeal 320 crew member and Air New Zealand award winner, Stephanie Jeeves, says the companys claims are an insult.
Weve done the same job as other Air New Zealand crew for years and been paid thousands of dollars less than domestic, let alone international, and to now have the company misrepresenting our pay rates is a slap in the face.
If Air New Zealand want to offer us the domestic deal well take it, Id like to see them put their money where their mouth is.
The EPMU represents 240 of approximately 270 Zeal 320 crew.
May 9, 2009, 10:58 pm
#3615
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,986
Andrew Little denies conflict of interest in Zeal talks
Hes working flat out but EPMU national secretary Andrew Little denies his other job as Labour Party president has affected the dispute between Air New Zealand and its Zeal flight attendants.
Today the union took out full-page ads in major newspapers attacking Air New Zealand as 240 flight attendants working for the airlines subsidiary Zeal 320 walked off the job.
Their four-day strike is in protest at their pay and conditions, which they say are different to those of flight attendants employed by Air New Zealand directly.
And the man in charge of their side of the negotiations says his role as boss of the Labour Party has had no impact on his handling of the Air New Zealand dispute....
Today the union took out full-page ads in major newspapers attacking Air New Zealand as 240 flight attendants working for the airlines subsidiary Zeal 320 walked off the job.
Their four-day strike is in protest at their pay and conditions, which they say are different to those of flight attendants employed by Air New Zealand directly.
And the man in charge of their side of the negotiations says his role as boss of the Labour Party has had no impact on his handling of the Air New Zealand dispute....