Norfolk Jet eager to fly to Auckland

By CHRIS DANIELS aviation writer

Norfolk Jet, the airline of Norfolk Island, has asked for permission to start flying to New Zealand.

The airline, which hopes to start flying between Norfolk Island and Auckland by August this year, will pose a competitive threat to Air New Zealand, the only carrier on the route.

In its application to the Australian International Air Services Commission, Norfolk Jet says there will be a benefit to competition when it starts flying to New Zealand.

"Norfolk Jet will offer a choice to consumers in many aspects including, but not limited to, offering a business-class product, different schedule and increasing frequency."

The leased Fokker 100 jet it will use will have eight business-class seats and 92 in economy class.

Norfolk Jet Express was formed in May 1997 by Norfolk resident and businessman Gregg Prechelt, who is now airline chief executive and chairman.

Using a Boeing 737 and a Fokker 100, Norfolk Jet has flown between the island and Australia, but has always intended to fly to New Zealand.

Chief operating officer David Bobbermen said there was a lot of potential for increasing travel between Norfolk Island and New Zealand.

Australian visitor numbers had risen from 20,000 to 34,000 in the past 10 years, but New Zealand arrivals had dropped from 7900 to 6700.

"We think that we can offer an alternative to Air New Zealand," he said. Norfolk Jet would be able to compete on price as it had lower costs, in part because its aircraft was better suited to the route.

Airlines have unlimited rights to fly between Australia and New Zealand, but are still required to gain approval from the air services commission. As Norfolk is an Australian territory, Norfolk Jet must apply to Australian officials for permission to fly to New Zealand.

If authorities are satisfied the airline has enough money and expertise and is not likely to go broke, leaving passengers stranded, then permission is usually given.

Norfolk Island, a former British penal colony like Australia, has been trying to increase its tourism industry for some years and it is known for its good fishing, beautiful scenery and tax-free alcohol.

The population is one-third New Zealanders, one-third Australians and the rest local Norfolk Islanders. There are four pubs and television coverage is two Australian channels delayed by two hours.

Norfolk Jet is likely to start flying at most twice a week between the island and New Zealand, probably on the days that Air New Zealand does not.

Air New Zealand's website quotes return fares of $358 to Norfolk Island. It flies there every Wednesday and Sunday.