NZ bodies condemn Qantas plans

Opposition is growing here against the proposed trans-Tasman codeshare deal between Qantas and Air New Zealand.

Tourism groups say any reduction in flights will threaten passenger numbers and growth in one of New Zealand's most important industries.

Qantas and Air New Zealand claim they are sustaining heavy losses on the trans-Tasman route, operating the equivalent of eleven empty aircraft every day.

But the majority shareholder of Wellington Airport, Infratil, says if approved, the codeshare deal between the two dominant players in the market would reduce the number of seats by 12 per cent from the capital and by 14 per cent from the nation's busiest airport in Auckland.

Infratil says it agrees with Tourism New Zealand that fewer seats in peak demand periods will inevitably mean higher air fares.

It has urged regulatory bodies on both sides of the Tasman to reject the arrangement.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA