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Air New Zealand adds Vanuatu |
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Written by Air NZ
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Wednesday, 28 June 2006 |
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Air New Zealand adds Vanuatu to its Pacific Island network
Vanuatu will become the ninth Pacific Island destination for Air New
Zealand from 5 August 2006 when, subject to NZ Government approval, the
airline enters into a bi-lateral code share agreement with Air Vanuatu. Under
the agreement, Air New Zealand will initially operate its code on the
three services per week currently operated by Air Vanuatu between
Auckland and Port Vila. Then from late October, Air New Zealand will
operate an A320 service one day a week and Air Vanuatu will operate two
B737 services per week. Air New Zealand will continue to retain
its code on the two Air Vanuatu services.
Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines, Norm
Thompson said the airline was pleased to be able to add Vanuatu to its
portfolio of South Pacific holiday destinations.
"We welcome this relationship with Air Vanuatu and see it as an
opportunity to offer our leisure customers an additional choice when
planning their tropical island holiday.
"Only some three hours from Auckland, Vanuatu is growing in popularity
as an island destination and, given our robust South Pacific network,
it makes sense for Air New Zealand to commit its own aircraft to
operate a service once a week from our next schedule change," said Mr
Thompson.
Air Vanuatu CEO, Captain Terry Kerr said the airline welcomed Air New
Zealand as a partner on the route and added the new service will create
more exposure and interest for Vanuatu as a growing destination in New
Zealand.
"After more than a decade flying the route and promoting the
destination along with Vanuatu tourism stakeholders, we believe the
support and contribution by Air New Zealand will bring another
dimension to the tourism development for Vanuatu," said Mr Kerr.
Details of the Vanuatu services are as follows:
Auckland - Port Vila
Tues depart 8.40 pm / arrive 11.00 pm
Wed depart 12.00 pm / arrive 2.20 pm
Sat depart 12.00 pm / arrive 2.20 pm
Port Vila - Auckland
Tues depart 3.40 pm / arrive 7.40 pm
Wed depart 7.00 am / arrive 11.00 am
Sat depart 7.00 am / arrive 11.00 am
Effective October 29, Air New Zealand will begin operating a Sunday service as follows:
Auckland - Port Vila depart 7.45 am / arrive 9.05 am
Port Vila - Auckland depart 10.05 am / arrive 3.05 pm
At this time, Air Vanuatu will discontinue its Tuesday service.
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs, Auckland
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 July 2006 )
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