NZ: Airlines to face tougher scrutiny over delays, cancellations and airfares under proposed changes

Airlines will have to report their on-time performance each month and face greater scrutiny over airfares under changes proposed by transport minister Simeon Brown. Addressing an aviation conference, Brown said the on-time performance report will provide insight into arrival and departure times along with cancellations, giving both the industry and New Zealanders a clearer picture of how well airlines are performing. Many other countries, including Australia, already publish such a report. The ministry intends to publish its first one in early September. “In addition to this, officials are exploring options to introduce public reporting on airfares,” Brown said. “This would further enhance transparency in the sector, empowering consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions and encouraging greater competition within the market.” In July, Consumer New Zealand said the cost of Air New Zealand flights had soared up to 300% over the past five years. The ministry is also considering changes to airport security, with Brown saying it “has become clear to me that AvSec (the Aviation Security Service) is not operating as efficiently as it should”. Under current legislation, AvSec cannot outsource staff when a plane arrives outside normal hours or at a smaller airport.<br/>