News

More than 17,000 additional seats between Auckland and Gisborne

A project initated by the Eastland Community Trust and the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce has generated more than 17,000 additional Air New Zealand seats between Auckland and Gisborne in the past five months.

More than 55 Q300 return flights - 55 each way - have travelled between Auckland and Gisborne each month since June providing more than double the amount of seats that would have ordinarily been available if this initiative had not been put in place.

Previously Air New Zealand's 19 seater 1900D aircraft was the only air passenger carrier between the two centres. One 1900D flight per day has been replaced one for one by the Q300s which have 50 seats - 31 more seats per flight.

Under an agreement with Gisborne Airport, ECT and the Chamber are providing funding for three years to make the Q300 service possible equating to something around $2.50 per additional seat. This is expected to amount to just over $100,000 per annum which will be paid directly to the airport. The Chamber's contribution is $10,000 and the Trust will fund the balance.

The flights probably average around 30 to 35 full seats per flight. But it is important to note that even with 35 people on board that means approximately 22 more passengers used the service than would have been possible with the 1900D aircraft at similar loading percentages.

Eastland Community Trust chairman Gary Alexander said whilst the Q300s were not always full, the project had meant there was considerably more choice and availability of flights between Gisborne and the country's major metropolitan centre.

"We supported this initiative because it meant more people could come here using efficient air services and for the benefit to the airport and the region. It has advantages for this region across the spectrum of business, tourism and leisure. The mere fact that there are at least 44 more people travelling to and from Gisborne day means we have achieved a significant gain for this region.

 

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For more information please contact ECT chairman Gary Alexander on (027) 444 7494.