Air New Zealand launches Express Class

New Zealand's major companies stand to save a combined $40 million on domestic air travel in the coming year thanks to the launch of Air New Zealand Express Class.

An Air New Zealand study of its 500 largest corporate customers who spend more than $250,000 on domestic and international flights each year - with a total of $119 million worth of travel undertaken by the top 50 corporates - shows that on average these companies will save 18% on domestic air travel year on year.

Air New Zealand expects to offset these savings on business travel by a 20% market stimulation across its domestic network.

Some of the biggest savings under the Express Class pricing structure are in the higher priced but most flexible range of fares - the Fully Flexi fare - which is therefore likely to be the preferred choice of most business travellers. This fare is up to 32% cheaper if booked direct with Air New Zealand than the current one way fares available and may be changed at any time at short notice.

Significantly, the new system of one-way pricing allows more pricing flexibility than ever before as New Zealand's business travellers can now mix and match fare types and get a "combo" return fare to best match their needs at the start or end of a work trip as the demands of business can be unpredictable.

Usually business meetings will begin at a set time - so customers can choose a cheaper, but more restrictive fare, to get them there. However, if they cannot be sure how long a meeting will run, they can book a more flexible, but higher priced fare which will enable them to change their return flight at short notice if required.

Previously, the main option would have been to buy a high priced fare on a return basis - effectively paying for the increased flexibility in the morning when it was not really needed.

Cheaper and more flexible airfares are just one way the airline is improving its offering to business travellers. From November 1, Air New Zealand will offer ExpressCheck, a 30-second self check-in facility, initially in Auckland and Christchurch, and TextExpress, a mobile text message alert for flight delays. Both innovations are aimed at saving business customers' time and simplifying their pre-boarding experience.

Air New Zealand is also refurbishing the Auckland Koru lounge to include improved work areas and more space to better accommodate the needs of members. Work is well underway and will be completed by the end of this month.