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New airline Pacific Blue is a "much needed" carrier whose arrival on the scene is great news for Wellington, according to the capital's Chamber of Commerce.
"Pacific Blue's entry will enhance competition, lower fares and increase the opportunities to fly into and out of the city," said Chamber CEO, Charles Finny.
"It will increase the numbers of visitors to Wellington providing a boost to the Wellington economy - not least the tourism industry. Enhanced competition and more flights should also increase Wellington businesses and other travellers' ability to travel around the country more cost effectively. Suppliers of services to the airlines will also benefit from the increased flights", he said.
"For too long competition on domestic flights has been limited.
"We hope that Pacific Blue's operations will eventually extend beyond the main trunk to other parts of the country as well as trans-Tasman flights to and from Wellington", Finny said today.
"We are also encouraged by Air New Zealand's positive response to the arrival of new competition and its intentions to review its domestic operations. We are sure that Qantas will also be responding to this development", he added.
