A report in The Dominion Post says that Australian airline OzJet is flying to the rescue of Palmerston North with plans to start trans-Tasman services in March, replacing Freedom Air.
OzJet Airlines said yesterday it would initially provide Palmerston North with flights to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, with its Boeing 737-300 having business and economy classes, and schedules and fares would be announced soon.
Air New Zealand said last month that it would close Freedom Air and replace it with Air New Zealand services – except for Palmerston North, which would lose all its Australian flights.
A public outcry did not change Air New Zealand’s mind.
Air New Zealand deputy chief executive Norm Thompson said the Brisbane service had been popular during some months, but the Sydney route was not viable.
The aircraft would be used to increase services from other centres, including Wellington.
OzJet chief executive Willie O’Neill said plans had developed quickly after support from Manawatu business and political leaders.
Palmerston North International Airport chief executive Garry Goodman said it was “critical that we have alternative services established before March 31 so that all border services are maintained”.
Manawatu Chamber of Commerce chairman Paul O’Brien said OzJet was considering extending its service to Fiji and the Pacific, and transporting freight to Australia.
Vision Manawatu chief executive Andrew Powrie estimated OzJet would “conservatively generate $60 million for the region a year”.
A Report by The Mole from The Dominion Post
