Air New Zealand is bringing domestic jet services back to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years, and will launch select A320 jet services between HLZ and Christchurch from 18 Sep.
The move will add 25,000 seats a year on the route, which NZ ceo Greg Foran says is one of the carrier’s strongest and fastest-growing regionally. Waikato Regional Airport ceo Mark Morgan says the return of a domestic jet service is a real vote of confidence in the strength of Hamilton as a regional hub. The two ATR aircraft replaced by the 171-seat A320 jets on the route will be redeployed across the regional network. The new HLZ-CHC service will operate five times a week (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sun) ex CHC at 1500 and returning ex HLZ at 1705. The addition of the A320 will add 14% more capacity (or 25,000 extra seats) on the route each year. The jet services will complement the existing ATR 72 turboprop flights, offering customers more choice, increased seat availability, and faster travel times between two of New Zealand’s ‘most dynamic’ cities.
. . . Southern Hub
CHC says the NZ move will further strengthen its position as a national hub for business and leisure travel. “This is a fantastic step for Christchurch. Demand on this route is soaring, and adding jet services gives travellers the speed, comfort and choice they’ve been asking for,” says Christchurch Airport ceo Justin Watson. “It’s a clear sign that CHC and our region is a thriving hub for business, innovation and opportunity, with strong momentum behind it.” The CHC-HLZ route is already one of the country’s busiest aviation corridors and this news is ‘great for the city and region’.
