More Domestic Retrenching

 

A piece form Radio NZ yesterday... My guess would be to watch for more!

Air New Zealand is cutting back capacity on three domestic routes by flying smaller planes or flying fewer times a day. This comes after Monday's announcement that the airline would cut flights between Invercargill and Wellington from January next year. It is now changing the aircraft for two routes from a 171-seat Airbus A320 jet to a 68-seat ATR-72, a reduction of 100 seats, citing a decrease in customer demand.

Queenstown to Christchurch

The smaller plane will be used for the first flight of the morning from Queenstown to Christchurch. It will also depart later - just before 9am. The Queenstown to Auckland jet service will be increased by two more services a week.

Dunedin to Wellington

Flights from Dunedin to Wellington will also now operate using the smaller ATR-72 plane. The first flight has been pushed back too, and passengers will be able to arrive in Wellington at 8.30am. They currently arrive at 7.40am. The last return non-stop flight will be at 4.30pm, while a connecting flight through Christchurch will depart Wellington after 6pm. Currently the latest direct flight departs at 7.45pm.

Christchurch to New Plymouth

The route from Christchurch to New Plymouth will be reduced by three flights a week, cutting back the early morning and late evening trips. These flights will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Blenheim to Wellington

Capacity from Blenheim to Wellington has not been reduced, but the first flight will be slightly later. In a statement, Air New Zealand said the changes were a result of reduced demand in response to the tough economic times, while some aircraft are out of service due to global engine maintenance issues. General manager domestic Scott Carr said those already booked to travel were being rebooked. He said it was not uncommon for the airline to change its schedule.

Source : https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529638/air-new-zealand-cutting-back-capacity-of-domestic-routes