Pacific Blue launches New Zealand domestic services
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South Pacific,
Pacific Blue Airlines
(CAPA) The first Pacific Blue Airlines domestic service departed Christchurch and Auckland bound for Wellington on 12-Nov-07, ushering in a new era of competition for the domestic New Zealand market.
The airline is now operating services between the three key cities of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and is the first new domestic carrier to enter the New Zealand market for over six years.
Pacific Blue’s decision to enter the domestic market follows nearly four years of success operating trans-Tasman and South Pacific services.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive and co-founder, Brett Godfrey said, “As a challenger brand we are always attracted to markets that are constrained by lacklustre competition and monopolistic or duopolistic suppliers. New Zealand is a prime example of this and we are pleased that from today, New Zealanders will have increased choice, more affordable fares and greater travel options.”
“We believe that Pacific Blue and our pricing levels will appeal to both leisure travelers who want to visit friends or family or holiday within their own country without breaking the bank, as well as business commuters who want to be smart with their travel budgets when they fly the short distances between New Zealand cities,” he said.
“Pacific Blue has flourished on the trans-Tasman route despite doomsday warnings of being caught in a “bloodbath” and this success is the result of our low cost strategy combined with high quality service, a genuine commitment to reasonable fares and our professional but friendly, fun crew. This same strategy is being applied to domestic flights and we are enthusiastic about opening up domestic air travel opportunities in the same way we have done between Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.”
Virgin Group Chairman, Sir Richard Branson said "I am thrilled that from today domestic air travel in New Zealand will be affordable and fun for everyone to enjoy. Air travel has been too expensive in New Zealand for way too long. It is a beautiful country and people should be encouraged to fly around and enjoy it."
From 12-Nov-07, Pacific Blue will be operating between the three main centres:
• Auckland–Wellington: Five daily services;
• Auckland–Christchurch: Twice daily service;
• Wellington–Christchurch: Three daily services.
Pacific Blue will monitor ongoing demand for the flights and use this information to determine future schedules. The airline is also reviewing opportunities for other new destinations within New Zealand for both domestic and international services.
Date posted: 13-Nov-07
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Pacific Blue launches New Zealand domestic services 
