Air New Zealand says Virgin Australia alliance providing 'areas of growth' on Tasman services

Air New Zealand said (30-Sep-2014) while the lower Australian dollar has impacted revenue, it continues to see "areas of growth and opportunity" on the trans-Tasman market. Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said the alliance with Virgin Australia provides a "deep network schedule... well placed to service all segments of this important market," adding that the arrival of new A320neo aircraft in 2017 would deliver "real benefits from the improved customer experience and operating economics." The airline said customers were also benefiting from seamless connections between regional New Zealand and regional Australia "and everywhere in between." [more - original PR]