Qantas confirms it never gives up in New Zealand

[Alain Durand]

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Qantas is matching Air New Zealand's recent product initiatives (ATWOnline, Aug. 22), turning up the competitive heat in the NZ domestic market. Next month, QF will introduce its successful Australian domestic Cityflyer product across the Tasman. Cityflyer provides passengers free beer and wine from 4 p.m. (noon in Australia), free newspapers and an enhanced food offering. QF also announced the addition of online check-in, QuickCheck self-serve kiosks and a A$3 million ($2.7 million) upgrade to its lounges in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

Meanwhile, Qantas is adding a fifth 737 to its New Zealand operation. In August, Pacific Blue, the international arm of Australia's Virgin Blue, said it will launch domestic services in NZ on Nov. 15 (ATWOnline, August 24). Pacific Blue initially will use two 737-800s between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. New Zealanders enjoy consistently low fares, often starting from NZ$59 ($45) on major trunk flights between Christchurch and Wellington, and ANZ has a daily Grabaseat product that sells off spare seats from NZ$6.