Air New Zealand is responding to low demand for its direct service between Whakatane and Wellington by reviewing its schedule for winter 2011.
On a trial basis, the direct service between Whakatane and
Air New Zealand Link Eagle Air General Manager, Carrie Hurihanganui, says the Whakatane - Wellington service was introduced in 2008; initially with six services per week, later scaled back to five.
“Demand on this route is highly seasonal. Passenger numbers this past winter have unfortunately fallen below winter 2009 despite considerable local promotional efforts.”
“There continues to be good demand for our Whakatane -
Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne says he and his council are “keen to work on the many projects that will assist the sort of growth that would support the reinstatement of this service, including current initiatives such as the Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi expansion , Aqua Culture Project, and the Industrial Hub.”
The small number of passengers already booked on the Whakatane -
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