8 June 2004
New Zealand-US Business Council Praises Boeing Deal
AUCKLAND, NZ - The New Zealand-US Business Council, a group of New Zealand based companies supportive of increased
commerce between New Zealand and the United States, praised the announcement that Air New Zealand will purchase new
Boeing aircraft. In all, Air New Zealand is scheduled to spend US$851 million on 10 Boeing aircraft through leasing and
purchasing arrangements.
“This is an important deal not only for Boeing but for all of its subcontractors. Air New Zealand, which is majority
owned by the New Zealand Government, is committed to quality and Boeing offers that quality. But this deal is more than
that. It is an example of the trade opportunities that exist between New Zealand and the US.
We would see a considerable increase in trade along the lines of this deal if the US and New Zealand had a free trade
agreement (FTA). An FTA is good for both countries, and it only makes sense, particularly in light of the just completed
US-Australia FTA. Our close economic relations with Australia make New Zealand and the US logical partners for an FTA,”
said Ellen Gordon, the Chief Executive of the New Zealand-US Business Council.
The Council is committed to getting an FTA between New Zealand and the United States.
ENDS