Air New Zealand has announced an order for 15 new ATR72-600 which it says will result in lower fares.
The new 68-seater planes would replace the airline’s 11 older ATR72-500s and boost capacity by 600,000 seats on regional routes, said Air NZ chief Christopher Luxon.
Luxon said Air NZ would look to stimulate demand in the regions by offering lower prices in order to fill the extra seat capacity.
"The bottom line is it’s going to be a very good deal for customers," Luxon said.
Prime Minister John Key, alongside Luxon at a media event to announce the order, said the new planes would spur more international and domestic tourist trips into the regions.
The new aircraft offer 30% more luggage storage onboard compared to the existing ATR72-500 fleet, which will eventually be sold off, Luxon said.
