Freedom starts 10th year in the yellow

In classic low-cost airline style, Freedom is marking its first decade of flying with a gimmick.

The first 1000 people who turn up to a mock check-in counter in Hamilton will receive free return tickets to any Freedom destination.

The winners will have to pay some airport and Government charges, and must also arrive at the stall this Saturday dressed entirely in yellow.

Freedom Air, the Air New Zealand subsidiary that tomorrow celebrates its 10th year, pioneered discount air travel in New Zealand.

But its no-frills model is changing, with the introduction of its "suite seats" - eight bigger, leather seats in its Airbus A320 planes. Passenger pay $100 extra for these seats.

"While our core market will always be leisure travellers, we've been looking closely at our fleet scheduling for popular business routes to ensure we're flying at the times that suit these travellers," said general manager Stephen Jones.

Jones said Freedom had flown more than 3.2 million New Zealand and Australian passengers.