Air NZ re-signs govt flight deal

Air NZ has joined the panel of carriers providing air services in the govt's cross-agency contract designed to get the best deal for the taxpayer. Subject to govt sign-off, the carrier will be another addition to the panel, which expanded the number of airlines govt departments can fly with. The new agreement is for a 4-year term, with potential for three 2-year rights of renewal. Air NZ and other unnamed airlines were still in negotiations when the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment announced a number of carriers allowed to ferry public servants earlier this month. Former Economic Development minister Steven Joyce asked for the contract to be retendered last year as heightened competition prompted a review of the benefits from all-of-govt procurement. <br/>