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Air New Zealand has dropped fares to Australia to just $66 from mid-March to stimulate demand after releasing a disappointing set of financial results on Thursday.
The airline reported an 8.8 per cent fall in half-year, adjusted pre-tax profits, which it blamed on a weak cargo market and the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong.
Earlier in the week, it also warned coronavirus could cost it NZ$35–$75 million.
Chief revenue officer Cam Wallace said, “Customers are going to get some ridiculously good deals on flights across the Tasman.
“Like all airlines we have seen some softness in demand on routes like the Tasman where we now have some empty seats due to travellers mainly from Asian destinations not connecting between New Zealand and Australia.
“Kiwis and Aussies are going to be able to head away for holidays or to see family and friends or do business for cheaper than a night’s accommodation at most hotels.
“We’d encourage customers to get in quick as the cheap seats are likely to sell faster than tickets for this weekend’s $50 million dollar Lotto draw.”
The sale begins today and ends Monday for travel from mid-March.
Included one-way flights are:
- Auckland to Melbourne – $66
- Auckland to Brisbane – $75
- Auckland to Sydney – $75
- Christchurch to Melbourne – $66
- Christchurch to Brisbane – $75
- Wellington to Sydney – $75
Greg Foran, who started work as Air New Zealand chief executive on 3 February, said he would conduct a business performance review in his first 100 days in office.
