3 May 2006

Code Share Proposal And The Greater Wellington Economy

As the Greater Wellington region’s economic development agency, Positively Wellington Business fully supports the questions raised by regional leaders on the Air New Zealand/Qantas Code share proposal for Trans-Tasman services in and out of Wellington, PWB CEO Philip Lewin said today.

“We are well aware of the difficult and highly competitive international market in which Air New Zealand operates. However the current proposal would appear to indicate a significant reduction in the number of Air New Zealand international services through Wellington. What is important for the region’s businesses is sufficient and improved scheduling, price sensitivity and enhanced extension of services – not less,” Mr Lewin continued.

“In partnership with PWB and other key regional agencies and stakeholders such as the Chamber of Commerce, our Councils are in the advanced stages of putting together a Wellington Regional Strategy. In bringing this work together over the past two years, it has become more and more obvious to us that higher quality and frequent transport linkages are critical to our region’s future success. This strategy is dependent upon stronger air links.”

“Positively Wellington Business expects that there will be an engagement process between the region’s leaders and Air New Zealand, to assure us that as a region we will not be disadvantaged.” said Mr Lewin.

ENDS

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