Air New Zealand plans to cut prices to the Pacific Islands from the middle of this year.
The airline said today it planned to expand its successful formula used domestically and on trans-Tasman routes to Pacific Island destinations.
Going on the cuts that have occurred across the Tasman, customers can expect fares
to drop by an average 20 per cent, spokesman Mark Street said.
Again, assuming a similar response to the Tasman fare cuts, that should translate into a 10-11 per cent increase in passengers.
Air New Zealand currently flies more than 100,000 customers between New Zealand and Pacific Island destinations annually.
The lower fare structure will be launched in March for travel commencing mid-year.
Chief executive Ralph Norris said the new structure on Pacific Island routes was a logical next step for the airline following the success of the domestic Express Class and Tasman Express services.
Air New Zealand simultaneously announced it was becoming a key sponsor of the annual Pasifika event celebrating Pacific Island culture, which takes place at Western Springs in Auckland from March 12-14.
- NZPA
