Air NZ announces big cuts in fares to Pacific islands

Air New Zealand today announced a cut of up to 64 per cent in airfares to Pacific island destinations under its new Pacific Express service.

The airline said fares to the Cooks Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga would go on sale today for travel from May 20.

The fares would be available for travel between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, and also between the islands and Australia.

The company's New Zealand and Pacific Island sales general manager, Roger Poulton, said New Caledonia was expected to be to be included in Pacific Express once the necessary approvals had been received.

He said Pacfiic Express would deliver average savings of 54 per cent on lead-in fares to the destinations announced.

Lead-in Pacific Smart Saver fares from Auckland to the Cook Islands would be $289 one-way, to Fiji $229 one way, to Samoa $289 one-way and to Tonga $199 one-way.

The prices did not include airport charges, taxes and levies.

There would be three other categories of fares, including business class, where prices had been cut by an average of 48 per cent.

Mr Poulton said fares across all categories had been reduced by up to 50 per cent.

He said that, on average, 35 per cent of seats available on Pacific Express would be in the lowest Smart Saver category.

Pacific economy class meals would be similar to Tasman Express, which was launched last year and featured a cafe sytle menu, with complimentary full beverage service and inflight entertainment.

Mr Poulton said Pacific Express was the third and final stage of the airline's shorthaul remodelling, which began with the domestic Express service in 2002.

He said Air NZ's half-year profit of $105 million was underpinned by the strong performances of its Express services.

He expected double digit growth in the Pacific market as a result of the new fares and associated holiday offers.

Air New Zealand shares were up 2 cents to 40 cents in morning trading.

- NZPA