The frequency of regional flights across the country are being reduced as jet fuel prices soar. Photo / Supplied
Mayors from across the motu have been left waiting to see what the future holds for “lifeline” regional routes after Air New Zealand announced the cancellation of 1100 flights.
The airline will make a series of cuts to domestic flights across the country as jet fuel prices continue to climb.
While no routes have been removed, 1100 flights will operate at a reduced frequency, with an estimated 44,000 customers affected by the change.
The move has sparked fears for what might happen to the regional routes if the global energy market crisis continues long-term.
Late last year, Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand chief executive Simon Wallace said the Government should look to act on aviation infrastructure.
“As with our roading and rail infrastructure, the Government has a clear role to play in supporting access to safe and secure air services domestically and internationally for wider public benefit,” he said.
He said the end of regionally operated routes reflected the need for greater investment from the Government.
“Loss of these routes rips out lifelines for our communities – literally in the case of Blenheim to Christchurch, a critical healthcare link for Marlborough people needing specialist treatment in Christchurch,” he said.
“New Zealanders deserve access to safe, secure regional air connectivity now and into the future.”
Today’s suspension of additional routes is set to end on May 3, Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor was told by Air New Zealand.
She told the Herald “volatile fuel prices” made it difficult to gauge whether that deadline would be extended.
In the meantime, she said the cuts “will have some impact and people will have to adjust some of their flight times accordingly”.
While the Marlborough District Council owns the Blenheim-based airport, she said it was “critical” but not particularly profitable infrastructure for the region.
“If we’re going to see continued challenges in the air space or indeed loss of flights coming in, then it’s going to make it even more difficult for regions like ours,” she said.
“We can’t ask ratepayers to subsidise it, so if this was going to be a long-term issue, then we would have to have a serious conversation with the Government about regional air and airport infrastructure.”
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said air links are a “lifeline” for her region and Air NZ had told her most travellers would still be able to fly the same day despite the cuts announced today.
“Both SH2 and SH35 road infrastructure insecurity has been an ongoing issue isolating our region and, as a result, our Air NZ service is an absolute lifeline to us,” Stoltz said.
The airline contacted her last night before Thursday morning’s announcement of cuts to flights in various parts of the country.
“While it is an inconvenience, I’m sure everyone will appreciate the situation in the Middle East is out of Air NZ’s control and that they’re trying to minimise the impact on their travellers.”
Air NZ has reassured her the majority of travellers would be accommodated on flights on the same day, and the cuts were temporary, Stoltz said.
Timaru Mayor Nigel Bowen was thankful to hear the cuts are not expected to affect his area for the time being.
“It’s a perfect storm. Global fuel prices, they’ve had significant challenges with their fleet as far as engines and what have you, so we sort of understand the challenges.”
He estimated about half of the travellers flying on routes in and out of Timaru were doing so for business.
“If the regular number of flights weren’t there, it would mean people would have to travel to Christchurch, perhaps stay in Christchurch, so it would certainly add cost and time to that business travel element, which would be challenging for some and add significant cost.”
Westland District Mayor Helen Lash said Air NZ’s Hokitika route wasn’t affected by the cuts because it was consolidating flights, which wasn’t possible in a place with a single flight in and out each day.
“I thought, ‘Oh God, here we go with the chop’, [when Air NZ announced cuts] but then I read we weren’t affected.”
She’d also spoken to Air NZ.
“They’re not touching us at the moment because there is no other option. We’re incredibly grateful for that because Air New Zealand is our lifeline here on the coast.”
But the future remained uncertain.
“Is there a crystal ball for this war and what’s happening? No, there’s not. At this stage we’re not part of that consolidation, but should things carry on for some time … we may be at risk. But there’s [also] still fat in the system for more consolidation than what Air New Zealand has announced today.”