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- Release Date: 06/11/12 11:03
- Summary: GENERAL: AIR: Changes to Hong Kong and London services
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AIR
06/11/2012 09:03
GENERAL
REL: 0903 HRS Air New Zealand Limited (NS)
GENERAL: AIR: Changes to Hong Kong and London services
Air New Zealand will withdraw services between Hong Kong and London from 4
March 2013, as the airline continues to implement initiatives to improve
profitability on its Long Haul international network.
In a separate move, the airline has also formed a strategic agreement with
Cathay Pacific on the Auckland-Hong Kong route. This is in line with Air New
Zealand's strategy to create an alliance-based network with a Pacific Rim
focus.
Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says a comprehensive review of the Hong
Kong-London service confirmed the route would not become profitable in the
foreseeable future. A reduction of approximately 70 London based cabin crew
roles is expected as a result.
"At the same time, we wanted to strengthen our presence in Hong Kong which is
an important market and vital gateway into Mainland China for Air New
Zealand. In line with this we have received approval from the New Zealand
Minister of Transport to form a strategic agreement with Cathay Pacific
effective from 12 December 2012."
"The agreement will see both carriers continue to operate the same frequency
between Auckland and Hong Kong while introducing code share on each other's
flights as well as opening up excellent connections between New Zealand and
Mainland China," says Mr Fyfe.
Air New Zealand operates daily year round services between Auckland and Hong
Kong while Cathay Pacific operates daily year round services and up to double
daily in the peak period between 2 December and 1 March.
Mr Fyfe says the decision to exit from Hong Kong-London will enable more
capacity to be redeployed onto the popular North American destinations of Los
Angeles and San Francisco. Last month Air New Zealand announced a further
5,000 return seats to its North American routes through to the end of June
2013. Releasing capacity from Hong Kong-London enables the continuation of
this additional capacity.
"We're excited about our upcoming move to the Tom Bradley terminal at LAX
where Air New Zealand has been contracted to design and operate a brand new
and much improved Star Alliance lounge, making Los Angeles a great place to
connect through to London or destinations further into Europe. We remain
committed to servicing Europe via these daily Los Angeles-London services."
End CA:00229375 For:AIR Type:GENERAL Time:2012-11-06 09:03:53
