Air New Zealand's focus on quality should benefit corporate travel buyers - and travellers

Air New Zealand's healthy profit report contained a pledge to continue to improve the airline's offerings - domestically and internationally. The positive performance will be reassuring to the airline's corporate customers, who are still very much aware of the 2001 government bail-out which saved the airline from being dragged under by the collapse of its Ansett Australia subsidiary.

New Zealand businesses, known for their external focus, depend on safe, reliable and affordable air services, especially with the country's main trading partners in Australia, China, the United States and Japan. Customers will be buoyed by the solid performance of Air New Zealand's international operations as well as by the increased competition in the market which is keeping a lid on fare growth.

Customers will also be encouraged by the airline's commitment to product improvement, through airport lounge enhancements, fleet refurbishments and added premium economy capacity. In turn, this should help ensure healthy competitive offerings from other airlines on key routes.