Air NZ doubles direct flights to Christchurch

Air New Zealand has super-sized its service between Tauranga and Christchurch as it eyes more direct flights to other major centres.
The national carrier yesterday confirmed it would more than double the number of direct flights between Tauranga and Christchurch each week from five to 11.
The new schedule, starting in early February, means travellers will be able to take one of two weekday direct flights, as well as a weekend return service, between the cities. Tickets went on sale yesterday.
Bruce Parton, Air New Zealand's group general manager for Australasia, said the extra flights were the result of demand from Tauranga customers.
"We've been to Tauranga a couple of times over the last six months for a board members conference and other events and while we were there asked people what they wanted us to improve."
 With fewer travellers using flights to Auckland and Wellington as link services to the South Island, more seats would be available on those services, ultimately bringing down prices, Mr Parton said.
"This will be good for business travellers, as it offers more peak flights, good for tourists, as it frees up more seats in the market, and good for both of the regions."
He anticipated more new services for Tauranga in the future.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby said the new direct flights would mean less chance of delays for travellers having to fly via Wellington and Auckland to Christchurch. The airport committee he chairs had been in talks with Air New Zealand for "quite some time" to provide more flights to the country's three main cities.
"We've been trying to impress upon [Air New Zealand] that we are growing - our population has doubled since 1989 and is expected to double again in the next 45 years."
Tourism Bay of Plenty manager Tim Burgess hailed the announcement as "great news".
"It's just great to see Air New Zealand pick up the challenge and see if the demand is actually there."
 Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason said a local business survey several years ago found a demand for more direct flights to Christchurch.
"I'm very confident this is an investment that will reward Air New Zealand very handsomely."
 Tauranga Airport manager Ray Dumble said the new service was another boost to the airport just months after 100 new car parks were added.
 Under the new schedule, Tauranga weekday travellers will be able to take 6.35am or 11.30am flights to Christchurch, touching down in the garden city at 8.25am or 1.20pm respectively.
Weekday flights leaving from Christchurch at 8.50am and 6.50pm will arrive at Tauranga Airport at 10.40am and 8.40pm.
New weekend flights will also give Tauranga passengers the choice of hopping on a 7am Saturday flight arriving in Christchurch at 8.50am, and catching a 7.15pm Sunday flight back, arriving home at 9.05pm.