QANTAS to expand NZ services

[flyjoe180]

WELLINGTON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Qantas Ltd, Australia's largest airline, said it would expand its operations in New Zealand and offer new business services, as competition for air travel on domestic routes intensifies.

Qantas said it would re-start a Wellington-to-Christchurch service, add another Boeing 737 to its New Zealand domestic fleet and invest at least NZ$3 million in passenger facilities.

www.reuters.com/article/tnBasicIndustries-SP/idUSWEL7638820071009

[vs]

Looks like it has never been a better time to be a pilot in New Zealand with quite a few airlines hiring more than predicted. That new 737 should create a few jobs for the boys and girls!!!

[corsair67]

Interesting news, considering QANTAS were going to transfer Oz based 737-400s over to the NZ network last year to replace the current 300 models, plus add a few extra!

Although to be fair, I think the transfer of QANTAS A330s onto Jetstar's fleet may have left QANTAS a little short on the domestic fleet over here, so that may have held up the NZ decision until now?

[corsair67]

So QANTAS has suddenly become more interested in its NZ operations since Virgin Blue annouced it plans for a NZ network!

I still don't understand how they'll make do with only five 737s, let alone four?



Qantas move sparks price war
By ROELAND van den BERGH - The Dominion Post | Wednesday, 10 October 2007


Qantas' decision to reinstate its Wellington-to-Christchurch service early next year has immediately sparked a price war.

Budget airline Pacific Blue, which enters the domestic market next month, has responded with a special temporary fare of $30 each way, undercutting its previous cheapest launch fare of $39.

Qantas New Zealand general manager Grant Lilly said the twice-daily Wellington-to-Christchurch service would start once a fifth Boeing 737 arrived about March. Fares have yet to be set.

The airline abandoned the route in March this year, citing competition from Air New Zealand and a lack of aircraft.

Mr Lilly said the additional aircraft would improve the airline's on-time performance, which has been a concern among lucrative business passengers.

A Wellington International Airport spokeswoman said Qantas' decision was "yet another demonstration of the benefits that competition is bringing to Wellington".

Qantas would also spend $10 million improving its in-flight service and cabins as well as airport facilities at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to attract business travellers. Qantas also flies to Rotorua and Queenstown.

Under a new Cityflyer brand between the main centres, passengers would be able to check in online or use self-service kiosks at airports by February.

On board, there would be free newspapers in the morning and a free bar service from 4pm on weekdays.

A more extensive cafe-style meal would be served, with better cutlery and fresh fruit.

The changes turn the clock back about five years, before Air New Zealand led the way by scrapping most frills with the introduction of its low-cost Express Class.

Air New Zealand announced in August that it would increase leg room in the front half of its 737s.

Qantas would continue with a gap of 78 centimetres to 81cm between seat backs.

However, the food and drink would be free to all on Qantas, whereas Air New Zealand will charge passengers who buy cheaper fares.

Qantas would also spend $3 million upgrading its airport lounges by April.

Mr Lilly denied that the airline had allowed its New Zealand facilities to run down while it tried to form an anti-competitive alliance with Air New Zealand.

Competition regulators rejected the final proposal to merge the airlines' Tasman businesses a year ago.

Qantas was now "lifting the bar" on service offerings, Mr Lilly said.

The New Zealand domestic network was an important part of Qantas' ability to fly passengers around Australasia.

"We are here for the long term. We are absolutely committed to Qantas being part of the domestic market."