Landmark aviation deal signed with Britain

Air NZ could now operate another daily flight to the UK. File picture / Martin Sykes

The Government today signed a landmark aviation deal allowing New Zealand airlines to operate unlimited flights into and out of Britain.

Transport Minister Pete Hodgson said it meant Air New Zealand had the opportunity to introduce a second daily service into London as soon as it was ready to do so.

The deal removes almost all restrictions on air services between and beyond the two countries.

However, although it allows Air NZ to increase flights beyond the present daily services, that will depend on getting access to landing and takeoff slots at Heathrow.

The airline has long wanted to move on to more flights, particularly during the peak of the summer tourist season, and as a result of the new agreement decided to refit all eight of its Boeing 747-400 jets.

Mr Hodgson, who signed the agreement with British High Commissioner Richard Fell, said the timing was "great news" for the tourism industry and for Air NZ.

"This agreement is the most liberal signed to date by the UK," he said.

Air NZ is working through the process of getting suitable slots at Heathrow.

The daily services have been allowed since 1997 and the Government has been trying to extend them ever since.

While the agreement itself has no conditions, an attached memorandum says Britain reserves the right to limit the number of passengers Air NZ can fly between London's two main international airports and the United States.

This is because of the restrictions on UK airlines flying these routes under a deal with the US Government.


The signing confirms a deal first announced in May.


- NZPA