Air NZ promises to make regions more accessible by doubling capacity and offering cheaper fares

Air New Zealand plans to help New Zealanders move to the regions by more than doubling regional capacity, improving connectivity and offering cheaper fares. At its annual shareholder meeting on Thursday Air New Zealand CE Greg Foran​ said changes that had begun before Covid-19 had accelerated. “There’s the opportunity to fly new routes – and to fly more often – by scheduling at different times of the day, adapting our service to the changing nature of work,” Foran said. “I believe Air New Zealand can help make the life-changing decision to move out of our largest cities a success for our customers and their families – while also growing our business.” Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on Air New Zealand with the company last year letting go of more than 4000 staff, reducing its pre-pandemic workforce by a third to about 8000 staff. Throughout the pandemic the airline has been relying heavily on Government support including wage subsidies, a generous cargo capacity scheme, deferred tax owed to Inland Revenue and loan facilities totalling $1.5b, of which $455m had been drawn down.<br/>