More Masterton Flights Unlikely

Source : http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3150799/Eagle-call-unlikely-to-succeed
A call for more daily flights out of Masterton looks unlikely for now, Air New Zealand subsidiary Eagle Air says. The airline has been flying six days a week return from Masterton to Auckland since February. Bookings on the 19-seater have been "solid", but Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell wants to see a daily link to Christchurch added and a second, later return flight to Auckland. The current flight suited local business people, but made it difficult for others catching overseas flights, he said. More flights would also make it easier to book large parties for tourism activities. The solution was not simply putting on a bigger plane because the aerodrome could not handle it, Mr Daniell said. Destination Wairarapa chief executive Peter Wilson said the plane was often "packed" and had one of the highest loadings in the country. Apart from business people, the flight was being used by locals who would invite friends to fly in and then go to a show in Wellington, Mr Wilson said. But more seats would be a boon to the tourism sector, he said. "The great thing about that link is it does put us on the map quite literally, with Air New Zealand." Eagle Air general manager Carrie Hurihanganui said the call had been taken on board, but passenger loads and demand were "still settling".