Editorial: Cheaper fares by rival in air

Jetstar is owned by Qantas and its chief executive Alan Joyce said the time was right to bring Jetstar's fares to the regions. Photo / File

I'm all for using New Zealand made and buying local but I have to say, bring on Jetstar.

Air New Zealand has had ample opportunities to make flying out of Hawke's Bay cheaper but they just haven't played ball.

After all they had a stranglehold on us. We have had no option but to fly with Air New Zealand.

Personally I've never had any problems with the carrier but I'm certainly not what you would call a frequent flyer.

I have, however, heard plenty of complaints about passengers being charged exorbitant prices, especially for last-minute flights.

People complained about paying as much to fly to the South Island as they are charged by other airlines to fly to Australia.

So with the news that Jetstar plans to start flights to regional destinations later this year and is promising "low fare competition" Air New Zealand needs take a long hard look at itself.

Jetstar plans to use a fleet of five 50-seat Bombardier Q300 turbo-prop aircraft to fly to at least four regional centres initially.

Hawke's Bay has been mentioned in its plans, so fingers crossed.

Jetstar is owned by Qantas and its chief executive Alan Joyce said the time was right to bring Jetstar's fares to the regions.

It sure is. And while I would hate for any Air New Zealand staff to lose their jobs the company must come up with a plan to be competitive.

If it wants New Zealanders to be loyal then they need to help us to help them. They have had it their own way for far too long.

If the Australians can do it, so can we.

The people of Hawke's Bay have been asking for cheaper fares for years, now an airline might possibly answer that call.