Pacific Blue is coming to Dunedin.
The Christchurch-based Australian airline yesterday announced it would start services to Dunedin on July 1.
One flight would arrive from Christchurch about noon daily, communications manager Phil Boeyen said last night. After a short turnaround, the 180-seat Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft would depart for Christchurch.
Southern passengers would be able to connect to Pacific Blue flights to other New Zealand and overseas destinations from Christchurch, he said.
The service will provide southern travellers with the first competition to Air New Zealand since the demise of the Origin Pacific regional airline in 2006, and the first alternative jet aeroplane service since Qantas NZ went into receivership seven years ago this month.
Pacific Blue, an offshoot of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, began operating in New Zealand in August last year and said then it planned to expand to regional airports within 18 months.
Mr Boeyen said the addition of the Dunedin flights had happened earlier than expected because of demand from potential passengers.
The company's fares would be ‘‘up to 15%'' lower than Air New Zealand's, he said. A special launch fare of $39 (one-way) is being offered from today until Monday, for travel between July and the end of August.
The company's Dunedin flights would be permanent, he said, providing passengers supported them.
‘‘We are certainly hopeful of continuing for the long term.''
There were no plans to fly to either Invercargill or Queenstown at this stage, he said.
In a media release last night, Sir Richard said Pacific Blue had carried more than 300,000 passengers in its first four months of operation.
‘‘I'm so pleased to know the people of New Zealand have embraced and supported our services, and we can return that by flying to a new domestic destination and introduce more competition, which always means lower fares.
‘‘This is absolutely marvellous news, as it means thousands of new travellers will now enjoy the benefits of good old-fashioned competition and service.''
Dunedin International Airport manager John McCall last night said the airport company had been working with Pacific Blue for some time, and he was ‘‘very pleased'' an announcement had now been made.
The airport was ‘‘more than ready'' for an additional service, he said.
‘‘The new terminal was always designed for multiple users, so accommodating them is not a problem.''
- Aspiring domestic airline Kiwijet has been grounded before takeoff. In a statement yesterday, the company said it would defer developments for the next six months, blaming various factors, including the global economic slow-down and high fuel costs.
