Written by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Qantas’s announcement that it will increase seasonal capacity across the Tasman has predictably been welcomed by NZ airports.
The Aussie air carrier had said its Melbourne-Wellington service will increase from daily flights to 10 flights a week from September to April 2025, an extra 1000 weekly seats.
The announcement follows news that the Wellington-Brisbane service that Qantas launched last year will upgrade to a larger Boeing 737 this October.
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“This is more good news for travellers and Wellington’s tourism sector,” said Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke.
“It’s reinforcing Qantas’s role as the main international airline for Wellington, well ahead of any other airline by total seats and number of return flights operated.
“People are keen to travel and it’s great to see airline capacity increasing to meet that demand. More flights mean improved choice, competition and connections.
“Qantas is doing a great job connecting travellers and next summer is shaping up to be even better.”
Qantas will then be operating 31 return flights per week to Australia from Wellington, which is 50% higher than pre-Covid levels and is equal to an extra 3500 seats on the route.
BRISBANE UPGRADE
Qantas is also upgrading from an Embraer E-190 to a larger Boeing 737 on its Brisbane-Wellington service will add 35,000 seats per year.
Wellington Airport welcomed the news as a vote of confidence.
“Qantas launched this service in October last year with the E-190, and it’s great to see the level of demand supporting the up-gauge so soon,” said Mr Clarke.
“It confirms Qantas’s status as Wellington’s largest international airline, well ahead of any other airline by total seats and number of return flights operated.
“More capacity on this popular route is great news for Wellington travellers, tourism and businesses.”
The arrival and departure times from Wellington will move forward slightly, from the current 3:25pm and 4:25pm to 3:40pm and 4:45pm respectively.
CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT
Christchurch Airport also welcomed a Qantas decision to boost flights between their city and Brisbane and Melbourne.
From late October 2024, the Australian carrier will add more than 175,000 seats to the routes over 12 months.
Brisbane-Christchurch flights are to increase from daily to 10-12 a week from late October (an extra 1700 seats each week).
Melbourne-Christchurch flights to increase from daily to 12 a week over the December/January peak and continue 10-12 a week through 2025, adding up to 1700 seats each week.
“This support means Qantas’ Christchurch routes will soon have 500,000 seats each year and our growth will continue. It’s great news.”
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said strong demand was responsible for the decision.
“Qantas’ extra flights gives locals more choice as to when they can visit friends and family in Australia and it makes it even easier to connect with long-haul destinations, including Europe and Asia through Qantas’ extensive network,” he said.
Mr Watson says the extra flights will also provide a valuable boost for the South Island.
“Every time a plane touches down on our runway, it brings in valuable international visitors that benefit our communities and businesses,” he said.
“This support means Qantas’ Christchurch routes will soon have 500,000 seats each year and our growth will continue. It’s great news,” he says.
Qantas already flies 14 flights per week to Sydney and offers daily seats to Sydney on its alliance partner, Emirates.