Air NZ cuts regional services

Air NZ Beech 1900
Air NZ Beech 1900
Air New Zealand will cut services from several centres as part of a revamp of its regional network as it closes down its subsidiary Eagle Air.

From April the airline will suspend services: Kaitaia -- Auckland; Whakatane -- Auckland; Whangarei -- Wellington; Taupo -- Wellington; Westport -- Wellington and Palmerston North -- Nelson. Hamilton -- Auckland will also be suspended from February 2016.

As Kaitaia, Whakatane and Westport are single route ports, the suspension of these services means Air New Zealand will no longer operate to these destinations.

Eagle Air is a regional airline which flies under Air New Zealand's Link brand, servicing New Zealand's rural towns with Beech 1900 aircraft.

Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said: "While today's news will be disappointing for some communities, Air New Zealand remains resolutely committed to regional New Zealand and the changes announced today will set up our regional business model for future sustainable success."

The airline was also introducing a range of new regional fares it said would cut the cost of travel.

The plans were a blow to Westport, Whakatane and Kaitaia, said Labour's transport spokesman Phil Twyford.

"The loss of an air route to Westport, Kaitaia and Whakatane is cutting them adrift from the national economy.

"It is clear this has been in the pipeline for some time with exorbitant prices for regional fares a softening up exercise.

"The Government is still the majority shareholder of Air New Zealand. It is time John Key sat the board down and explained to them their duties as a national carrier. That includes providing affordable air routes to regional centres," he said.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union said more than 30 aircraft engineers in Hamilton may lose their jobs following Air New Zealand's announcement.

The Beech 1900 aircraft were coming to the end of their lives and would be replaced with bigger aircraft, putting at risk the jobs of heavy maintenance engineers in Hamilton, the EPMU said.

"These engineers are working in highly-skilled, well-paid jobs which create a lot of value for the local economy," said EPMU spokesman Strachan Crang.

"They'll find it very difficult to get similar work in the Waikato and many may have to relocate."

Eagle Air would cease operations in August 2016. There may be provision for a smaller maintenance facility to remain in Hamilton, working on other Air NZ aircraft.

"Fortunately there's a long lead-in time so we'll be able to make sure all our members can move to other jobs in the wider Air New Zealand group if that's what they choose," said Mr Crang.

"Eagle Air services small airports in the regions. If those routes aren't picked up by Air New Zealand, it could have a serious impact on those communities."

 

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