Qantas announces new Trans-Tasman fare structure

Qantas announced today that following the successful introduction of simpler, more flexible domestic fare structures in Australia and New Zealand the concept would be expanded to trans-Tasman services.

Qantas Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing John Borghetti said Qantas was also introducing a range of new low fares for travel between Australia and New Zealand. The new fares go on sale on 19 September 2003 for travel commencing 15 October 2003.

"The new fare structure will make trans-Tasman travel more flexible and more affordable," Mr Borghetti said.

One way fares will be priced from A$243* (S$283) [A$179 (S$208) base fare plus charges and taxes of A$64 (S$74)] between Sydney and Auckland, and be available every day of the year. The new Sydney-Auckland return fare of A$451 (S$524) will offer a significant saving compared with current year-round return fares that start from A$675 (S$785) (both including charges and taxes).

Mr Borghetti said features of the new fare package included:

- one way fares that can be mixed and matched to better suit individual travel needs;

- the removal of minimum stays, including Saturday night restrictions;

- the removal of advance purchase conditions; and

- the removal of seasonal surcharges.

Qantas currently operates 111 flights per week from Australia to New Zealand.

Mr Borghetti also said that Qantas would commence all Economy Class operations on its New Zealand domestic services from 15 October.

"In a highly competitive environment, and particularly on short haul trips between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, there is not sufficient demand for Business Class," he said.

"The reconfiguration of our Boeing 737-300 fleet will increase capacity by approximately eight per cent, giving more people access to our low fares."

Customers on New Zealand domestic services will be offered complimentary coffee, tea, water and a snack, and a cash bar on afternoon flights and Qantas' award-winning inflight entertainment will continue.

Qantas currently operates ten flights a day between Auckland and Wellington and nine flights a day between Auckland and Christchurch.

The airline will offer daily jet services between Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown from 22 September and daily non-stop jet services between Auckland and Queenstown from the 26 October.

Qantas also codeshares with Origin Pacific on a number of other regional New Zealand routes.