No surprises as Emirates reveals transtasman fares

By CHRIS DANIELS

Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled its new fares for flying across the Tasman.

Emirates will start flying from Auckland to Sydney and Melbourne on August 2, initially with a Boeing 777 aircraft, but later changing to an Airbus 340-500 on the Sydney route.

From October 27, the airline will fly daily to Brisbane, also from Auckland.

Return economy class fares will start at $505 for Sydney and from $575 for Melbourne, similar to fares already charged by Air New Zealand and Qantas.

The October launch of the Airbus A340-500 service should coincide with the start of Air New Zealand's "express-style" service across the Tasman.

Tickets are expected to start around $100, with $500 being the top fare.

Charges and levies, such as international departure taxes, would increase these fares.

Airpoints will not be earned on the cheapest fares and a strict no-refund could apply. Fees could also be charged for alterations.

The new Airbus A320 aircraft for the transtasman express-style service will have business-class seats, unlike the planes flying domestic services in New Zealand. The planes carry about 160 passengers.