Wellington cries foul over code share deal
Reports from New Zealand today suggest that Air New Zealand will drastically reduce its trans-Tasman services out of Wellington under its proposed deal with Qantas.
Application documents filed with the Transport Ministry show that the airline would stop flying to Melbourne and Brisbane, leaving those routes to Qantas. It would cut its 13 flights a week to Sydney to nine. Qantas would provide 13 flights.
Business and political leaders have reacted angrily, fearing a lack of competition, higher prices and reduced access to Australia.
National MP Mark Blumsky said he would raise Wellington’s concerns with Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe. “I’m a proud Kiwi and I love flying Air New Zealand . . . it’s one of the reasons I fought to stop the merger.”
After the service tradeoffs between the airlines, Wellington would lose six of its 50 flights a week and 392 seats.
Air New Zealand said yesterday that Wellington travellers would have more choice of flights to Sydney. Competing afternoon departures would be spread out, but the Qantas 8am service would end. Air New Zealand would keep its early-morning service.
Wellington’s loss appears to be Auckland’s gain, with Air New Zealand flying 63 of 105 weekly services under the agreement, 23 fewer than now.
The Sydney route would be shared equally, but Air New Zealand would dominate Auckland services to Brisbane and Melbourne.
Christchurch would gain three services a week, including Qantas’ budget brand Jetstar taking over more routes.
Graham Muldoon
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