New aircraft increases flights to main centres

Published on 15 February 2016

15 February 2016

Last week Air New Zealand introduced the 50-seater Bombardier Q300 aircraft on the Whanganui to Auckland daily route. This aircraft replaces the 19-seater Beechcraft 1900D which has previously serviced the Whanganui district.

The change in aircraft has increased the number of seats available between the two cities from 86 to 150, equating to approximately an 80 per cent increase.

The increase in seats has enabled Air New Zealand to charge lower air fares on these flights, with prices starting at $69.00 each way.

Whanganui Mayor Annette Main says she is thrilled with the introduction of the higher capacity aircraft.

“The Bombardier Q3000s will be of huge benefit to both visitors to the region and Whanganui residents travelling, allowing greater connection with the rest of the country. It is also good news for those travellers who have until now had to commute to Palmerston North in order to fly to Auckland.”

There are now three Q300 flights each way from Monday to Friday. On Saturday there are two flights to Auckland and one to Whanganui and on Sunday there is one flight to Auckland and two to Whanganui.