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Air New Zealand reintroduces domestic jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch

Air New Zealand reintroduces domestic jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch
Policy
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Dame Therese Walsh DNZM, BCA, FCA Chair Independent Non-Executive Director (Appointed 1 May 2016) | Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is set to reintroduce domestic jet services between Hamilton and Christchurch starting September 18. This marks the return of jet operations to Hamilton after a 25-year hiatus. The airline will use a 171-seat Airbus A320 for select flights, adding around 25,000 seats annually to this route.

The new jet service will operate alongside Air New Zealand's existing ATR 72 turboprop flights, providing customers with more travel options throughout the day. Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, highlighted the importance of this development in enhancing connectivity across the North and South Islands. He stated, "Hamilton–Christchurch is one of our strongest and fastest-growing regional routes, and the addition of jet services reflects that increasing demand. It offers customers more choice and more seats."

Foran further explained that the A320 jets would cater to key travel times for both business and leisure travelers while maintaining flexibility with ATR aircraft in the schedule. "Whether customers are travelling for business, events, or to explore the stunning South Island, they'll benefit from the convenience this jet service provides," he added.

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Two ATR aircraft previously serving this route will be reassigned within the regional network to bolster capacity elsewhere. This move follows the successful launch of Invercargill-Auckland jet services in 2019. Foran emphasized that growth means creating greater access for communities and supporting tourism and trade: "That's a responsibility we carry with pride - and with a clear plan to deliver on."

Mark Morgan, Chief Executive of Waikato Regional Airport, expressed optimism about the impact on local infrastructure: "This is fantastic news for Waikato, and a real vote of confidence in the strength of Hamilton as a regional hub."

The proposed schedule includes departures from Christchurch at 3 p.m., arriving in Hamilton at 4:20 p.m., with return flights departing Hamilton at 5:05 p.m., arriving back in Christchurch at 6:25 p.m., available Monday through Sunday except Tuesdays and Saturdays.

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