Smaller airlines will swoop in if Air NZ quits more regional routes

Smaller airlines are in the wings ready to swoop if Air NZ ditches more regional routes, and the carrier is getting the hard word to help third tier operators that step up when it bows out. Chathams Air has already expressed an interest in taking over the Kapiti to Auckland service from Air NZ which ended Tuesday. Sounds Air and Barrier Air both are eager to expand further but were tight lipped about the destinations they were eyeing up. Having already taken on services between Wellington, Westport and Taupo, and between Blenheim and Christchurch, Sounds Air CE Andrew Crawford said they were looking at what other routes Air NZ could pull out of. Aviation consultant Irene King believes Air NZ may reconsider its Auckland Whangarei service during the day, and said it could opt to pull out altogether. <br/>