Latest news with #JeremyO'Brien
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Dunedin-Auckland flights boost welcomed
A boost in seats to flights between Auckland and Dunedin will help stimulate spending across the city in time for key events, an industry leader says. Air New Zealand announced yesterday its Auckland-Dunedin route was among three southern connections that would receive a boost in capacity later this year. Between June 28 and October 25, select services across the three routes would operate using the larger Airbus A321, adding more seats to the network at a time of strong seasonal demand, it said. A total of 46 existing flights on the Auckland-Dunedin route would be upgauged from the Airbus A320 to the A321, adding a total of 2100 new seats. This would support key student movement dates and special events, including the All Blacks' game in Dunedin in July and the Big Sing finale in August. The Auckland-Christchurch and Auckland-Queenstown routes comparatively would receive a combined total of 570 upgauged flights — or approximately 34,000 new seats. Chief commercial officer Jeremy O'Brien said the airline was thrilled to be able to connect more customers over the winter season. "Whether they're heading back to university, to a special event, or to the slopes this winter, these seats will mean more choice and opportunity to fly and more flexibility to plan travel around the moments that matter," Mr O'Brien said. "This isn't just about adding flights, it's about supporting our regions." Business South chief executive Mike Collins said the changes were "definitely positive". "We've been advocating to Air New Zealand on behalf of business for additional capacity, so any additional seating that is going to provide some more volume to the business community is something we've seen as favourable." Aligning the boost in capacity with key events would be advantageous to businesses in the city as it would stimulate spending on accommodation and hospitality. He was surprised Air New Zealand had made a change in the short term, but he believed it was a sign the airline was listening to and monitoring the demand for services in the region, Mr Collins said. "There's a lot of investment going on in Dunedin at the moment and a lot of activity. "So if that's flowing through to contractors coming into town and on flights and a lot more passenger travel between Dunedin and Auckland, that wouldn't surprise me, because there is quite a lot of activity going on in the city ... from an investment perspective."
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Air New Zealand Adds 36,000 Seats To Its Domestic Winter Flying Schedule
Press Release – Air New Zealand Between 28 June and 25 October, select services across the three routes will be operated by the larger Airbus A321, adding more than 36,000 seats to the network at a time of strong seasonal demand. Air New Zealand is boosting capacity on its Auckland – Christchurch, Auckland – Queenstown, and Auckland – Dunedin routes, providing thousands more seats to help keep Kiwi connected. Between 28 June and 25 October, select services across the three routes will be operated by the larger Airbus A321, adding more than 36,000 seats to the network at a time of strong seasonal demand. This marks the airline's second move to boost inter-island connectivity in under a week, following the launch of Air New Zealand's new jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch last week. Together, these additions reflect Air New Zealand's continued focus on creating more choice and greater connectivity for customers across Aotearoa. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O'Brien says he's thrilled to be able to connect more customers with these additional seats over the busy winter season. 'Whether they're heading back to university, to a special event, or to the slopes this winter, these seats will mean more choice and opportunity to fly and more flexibility to plan travel around the moments that matter. 'This isn't just about adding flights, it's about supporting our regions. We're committed to building connectivity – supporting communities, tourism and trade – so more New Zealanders can thrive. That's a responsibility we carry with pride. Every seat we add is an investment in New Zealand's future. 'We have a plan and some great momentum, so watch this space.' O'Brien adds that the airline is focused on long-term, sustainable growth that benefits the whole country. 'Whether it's getting visitors to Central Otago's ski fields, students to Dunedin's lecture theatres, or whānau home to Christchurch, we're proud to play our part in connecting people and place.'
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Air New Zealand Adds 36,000 Seats To Its Domestic Winter Flying Schedule
Press Release – Air New Zealand Air New Zealand is boosting capacity on its Auckland – Christchurch, Auckland – Queenstown, and Auckland – Dunedin routes, providing thousands more seats to help keep Kiwi connected. Between 28 June and 25 October, select services across the three routes will be operated by the larger Airbus A321, adding more than 36,000 seats to the network at a time of strong seasonal demand. This marks the airline's second move to boost inter-island connectivity in under a week, following the launch of Air New Zealand's new jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch last week. Together, these additions reflect Air New Zealand's continued focus on creating more choice and greater connectivity for customers across Aotearoa. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O'Brien says he's thrilled to be able to connect more customers with these additional seats over the busy winter season. 'Whether they're heading back to university, to a special event, or to the slopes this winter, these seats will mean more choice and opportunity to fly and more flexibility to plan travel around the moments that matter. 'This isn't just about adding flights, it's about supporting our regions. We're committed to building connectivity – supporting communities, tourism and trade – so more New Zealanders can thrive. That's a responsibility we carry with pride. Every seat we add is an investment in New Zealand's future. 'We have a plan and some great momentum, so watch this space.' O'Brien adds that the airline is focused on long-term, sustainable growth that benefits the whole country. 'Whether it's getting visitors to Central Otago's ski fields, students to Dunedin's lecture theatres, or whānau home to Christchurch, we're proud to play our part in connecting people and place.'
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Dunedin to get winter flights boost
On the Auckland-Dunedin route 46 flights will be upgraded from Airbus A320 planes (pictured) to the bigger A321 planes. Air New Zealand is using bigger planes to boost seat numbers between Dunedin and Auckland - for a limited time. The airline is also adding thousands of seats to its Auckland to Queenstown route, including one new flight. The four-month capacity increase will be in place between June 28 and October 25 to cater to "strong seasonal demand", Air New Zealand said in a statement. On the Auckland-Dunedin route 46 flights will be upgraded from Airbus A320 planes to the bigger A321 planes, adding 2100 seats. This would help "support key student movement dates and special events, including the All Blacks game in Dunedin on July 5 and Big Sing in August", Air NZ chief commercial officer Jeremy O'Brien said. Between Auckland and Queenstown, 412 flights will get the larger planes and one new flight will be introduced to add 19,400 extra seats. The Auckland-Christchurch route would also be boosted, getting 36 new flights and 14,600 more seats. 'Whether it's getting visitors to Central Otago's ski fields, students to Dunedin's lecture theatres, or whānau home to Christchurch, we're proud to play our part in connecting people and place.' - APL
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Air New Zealand Adds 36,000 Seats To Its Domestic Winter Flying Schedule
Air New Zealand is boosting capacity on its Auckland – Christchurch, Auckland – Queenstown, and Auckland – Dunedin routes, providing thousands more seats to help keep Kiwi connected. Between 28 June and 25 October, select services across the three routes will be operated by the larger Airbus A321, adding more than 36,000 seats to the network at a time of strong seasonal demand. This marks the airline's second move to boost inter-island connectivity in under a week, following the launch of Air New Zealand's new jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch last week. Together, these additions reflect Air New Zealand's continued focus on creating more choice and greater connectivity for customers across Aotearoa. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O'Brien says he's thrilled to be able to connect more customers with these additional seats over the busy winter season. 'Whether they're heading back to university, to a special event, or to the slopes this winter, these seats will mean more choice and opportunity to fly and more flexibility to plan travel around the moments that matter. 'This isn't just about adding flights, it's about supporting our regions. We're committed to building connectivity - supporting communities, tourism and trade – so more New Zealanders can thrive. That's a responsibility we carry with pride. Every seat we add is an investment in New Zealand's future. 'We have a plan and some great momentum, so watch this space.' O'Brien adds that the airline is focused on long-term, sustainable growth that benefits the whole country. 'Whether it's getting visitors to Central Otago's ski fields, students to Dunedin's lecture theatres, or whānau home to Christchurch, we're proud to play our part in connecting people and place.'
