Extra capacity for Rotorua-Auckland flights

ADDED CAPACITY: The Q300 aircraft will soon fly both morning and afternoon between Rotorua and Auckland. FILE

Four months after the introduction of the larger Q300 aircraft on the morning Auckland-Rotorua return route, capacity will be extended further with the larger plane set to commence an afternoon schedule from February.

Rotorua Airport chief executive Alastair Rhodes said from February 9, the 50-seat Q300 will fly to and from Rotorua twice daily from Monday to Friday, with a return flight scheduled in both the morning and afternoon.

The flight will leave Auckland at 8.35am and 4.25pm, and Rotorua at 9.35am and 5.40pm.

Mr Rhodes said the introduction of the Q300 flights in February this year had proven popular with travellers - particularly business travellers - prompting the addition of the higher capacity service.

The Q300 provides an additional 31 seats per flight - compared with the existing Beech 1900 - the equivalent of a 30 per cent increase in passenger capacity and 16,000 additional seats per year.

"The introduction of the Q300 aircraft on this key route not only means there are more seats on offer but more cheaper fare options available.

"It's an efficient and cost-effective schedule for locals and visitors alike and it means that business travellers in particular will be able to make a daily round-trip on the larger aircraft.

"These schedule changes are significant and positive developments for Rotorua, making it even easier and more economical to get to and from Auckland for international connections, or travelling domestically for business or pleasure.

"The Airport, alongside its key stakeholders, partners and Air New Zealand, have been working hard to secure an afternoon flight on the Q300 and we are pleased to see that this development has come to fruition. It's a real win for the region and the local economy."

Further information is available at www.rotorua-airport.co.nz .