Wellington Airport Backs Revised Government Strategy

Wellington International Airport has given its backing to the New Zealand Government’s plans to negotiate improved air services agreements with countries in East Asia and South America. The country’s Associate Transport Minister Nathan Guy revealed last week that improving links with these two regions was an important step in encouraging stronger tourism and business ties with two of the fastest growing regions in the world.

"Inter-government air service agreements are the first step before airlines can operate services to other countries. New Zealand already has around 48 relationships governed by similar agreements, and we want to see these improved and the number increased," he said. "We are looking to remove restrictions on current agreements, and begin negotiations with other countries to create new agreements. These agreements will give airlines greater freedom and certainty for future planning,"

Wellington International Airport, the third largest facility in New Zealand has been quick to support the new government stance, highlighting that capacity between some markets is already constrained by existing capacity agreements. For example, China Southern Airlines has now exhausted all capacity between China and New Zealand after increasing its Guangzhou – Auckland flight to a daily schedule. “Given a route like this is worth $150M to the New Zealand economy, it is crucial that the Government’s policy is directed at encouraging expansion,” said Steven Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, Wellington Airport.

“We are constantly pursuing opportunities with airlines to increase and develop new routes. International airlines have many airports, regions and countries vying for their new capacity, and any barriers that create delay or uncertainty can materially reduce the likelihood of new services. Wellington Airport is targeting long-haul services, which will have huge benefits for travellers and the region, and looks forward to working with the Government and other partners to make these services a reality,” he added.