Air NZ increases overseas freight fees

By DANIEL RIORDAN aviation writer

Air New Zealand will increase most of its outgoing international cargo charges by 10 per cent from Monday.

The increases affect freight carried to the United States, Canada, Europe (including Britain) and the Pacific. A proposed 10 per cent rise for cargo to Japan is subject to Government approval.

Most regular Air NZ customers will not be affected immediately because they operate under contract rates.

The airline has also detailed rises in transtasman economy class airfares, which it announced last week.

The lowest-priced fares to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth rise by $20. Brisbane and Cairns fares will not change.

Other fares with advance buying conditions will rise by $50 for all Australian destinations. Fares with no advance buying conditions will increase by $100.

The airline said these increases were the first since July last year.

No changes have been made to business class fares.

Executive director Roger France said that although the airline had previously absorbed rising costs in some parts of its business, this was no longer appropriate.

On Wednesday, the airline said it would introduce a $2.25 charge for passengers on all domestic flights to pay for safety-related services provided by the Civil Aviation Authority. Previously it had absorbed this cost.

The airline also now has a war risk premium levy of $8 a passenger on all international and domestic flights, and a $24 charge on goods over 100kg.