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Wellington to Asia Service
Posted by Rod in Travel at 9:34 pm on Friday, 28 July 2006

I like Rob Fyfe, the CEO of Air New Zealand.  He’s a next generation leader not scared to do the tough stuff. But I disagree with his position on long range services out of Wellington.

Stuff: Air NZ boss says Asia service a long shot. Specifically …

It does feel a dimension of this is being driven to a degree by regional ego rather than commercial pragmatism

This was a stupid thing to say.  There is real commercial benefit for long haul into Wellington.  Wellington is special.  It’s small size fosters networking and creativity.  We’re becoming the film and software action area.  Flying through Auckland is a pain.  Rather than being dumped before security at 5:30 am on Saturday morning you were in your home town.  4 hours  power nap, ready for a morning latte with the family at 10:00. Ready to go. 

Travelling with kids.  Connections add 3+ hours to the trip.  Going to London could be as easy as one hop to Asia. Stay a night. Another hop to the UK.  Too easy.

Long haul to Wellington would stimulate travel.  It would add many new trips.  Wellington would be directly connected to the world. It would be a huge boost.

Rob’s position is natural.  Fewer hubs is less cost for Air New Zealand.  But in this case it’s just too important.

Couple of flights a week to somewhere in Asia and San Fran.  It would be brilliant!

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Comments(1)

    Comment by Jon Beattie at 2:02 pm on 10 August 2006

    Isn’t the main issue that you can’t land 747’s at Wellington airport, let alone 777’s? Waiting for the 787 instead of building a longer runway way doesn’t send out the right message to airlines that Wellington really wants long haul. Transit through Auckland must suck though. Having a separate domestic terminal with no interconnecting walkway is just madness.