Cairns Airport congratulates Air New Zealand on 25 years of continuous operation of flights between Auckland and Cairns.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Brown, said Air New Zealand has been an invaluable airline partner for Cairns over the past twenty-five years.
“New Zealand is an important business and holiday source market for Tropical North Queensland and this service offers Kiwi visitors a direct connection,” Mr Brown said. “Once here they inject tens of millions of dollars into the regional economy.”
“There’s also many people living in or visiting Cairns who appreciate the opportunity to fly direct from here to Auckland.”
“We estimate Air New Zealand will offer around 56,000 seats on the service during 2014 and the passengers they bring in as visitors to Cairns will inject tens of millions of dollars into the regional economy.
“Air New Zealand are a full service airline and are well placed to adjust their schedule to meet seasonal demand with frequency on the Auckland Cairns service ranging from two flights per week up to five times per week in the peak season when Kiwis like to escape the winter chills and Aussies head to the ski-fields.”
“The service also offers an important connection to our destination for the North American market with an easy, same-terminal connection in Auckland. To make the long trans-Pacific journeys more comfortable, Air New Zealand developed an innovative economy class lie-flat bed product known as the Skycouch which has proven very popular with travellers.”
Mr Brown said Cairns Airport and Air New Zealand have built up a strong relationship since the Auckland-Cairns service began back in 1988. “We look forward to this continuing for many years to come.”
Leanne Geraghty, General Manager Australia with Air New Zealand, said the airline is proud to celebrating the quarter century accolade with Cairns Airport and Tropical North Queensland.
“Air New Zealand is delighted to have provided its awarded kiwi hospitality across the Tasman for Aussies and Kiwis alike,” Leanne said.
“We look forward to continuing