Jetstar services would benefit Rotorua residents

Jetstar services would benefit Rotorua residents, tourism and airport business: Mayor Steve Chadwick

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says local residents, the tourism sector and the city’s airport business would all benefit if Jetstar started operating into Rotorua later this year.

Mrs Chadwick’s comments follow an announcement from Jetstar on Thursday afternoon [18 June] that the airline was planning to extend into a number of regional New Zealand cities by December. The airline said Rotorua was among a small number of destinations under consideration.

“We’d welcome any new service that broadened the choices available for locals and other travellers, especially if it added sharper airfares,” said Mrs Chadwick. “We have a lot of respect for both Air New Zealand and Jetstar and we believe Rotorua offers the potential for two competing airlines to be successful here.

“Rotorua already has the infrastructure and, as a destination, is a popular choice for both domestic and international travellers. A key for our future is to maximise opportunities that can link Rotorua into the South Island.

“Once we know more about Jetstar’s proposals, we’ll be collaborating with our business sector to ensure that the Rotorua community can present a unified and compelling case for Rotorua to feature in their plans.

“It’s very encouraging news and it has the potential to make a real contribution to our district’s Rotorua 2030 economic growth goals.

Rotorua Airport chief acting executive Wayne Wootton said Rotorua Airport had a long and excellent working relationship with Air New Zealand and was proud of it as the national carrier for New Zealand.

“Nevertheless, as the gateway for one of New Zealand’s premier visitor destinations, we want to encourage as many people as possible to fly to Rotorua and beyond.

“We also want to ensure that our own business people and residents have the flights and schedule they need to support their day-to-day travel requirements.

“The introduction of Q300 Air New Zealand flights between Rotorua and Auckland has been a significant positive development in this respect, and the potential addition of Jetstar to the Rotorua schedule would only add to the options available. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Jetstar – or any other airline,” Mr Wootton said.

Destination Rotorua’s general manager marketing, Oscar Nathan, said he was delighted to hear that Jetstar was considering new regional centres such as Rotorua for potential new air services.

“Clearly any additional flights in and out of Rotorua - and the wider central north island for that matter - is great news for both the visitor sector and the broader travelling public.

“From our perspective any increase in regional air services will only strengthen the value proposition and demand-base for direct jet services between the likes of Rotorua and Queenstown,” said Mr Nathan.

ENDS

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