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SYDNEY - Transtasman flights are set to be reclassified as domestic routes, removing stringent immigration procedures and cutting fares by up to 30 per cent, according to an Australian website.
Quarantine, security and immigration issues have to be addressed to make the route a common border, the Sydney Morning Herald website
said.
An Open Skies bilateral agreement is already in place, relaxing the rules for carriers flying between the two countries.
After two years of discussions, Australian and New Zealand customs are planning trials to clear passengers before they board flights between the countries.
Three Australian automated border processing "smartgate" kiosks were installed at Auckland International Airport last September to speed up entry into Australia.
Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Pacific Blue believe the move could result in fares being cut by up to 30 per cent, the website said.
The trials will look at creating a clearance system similar to those used for passengers travelling from Canada into the United States and in Europe across European Union countries.
Once they are cleared at their point of origin passengers enter any port as a domestic visitor.
- AAP
