Air NZ to fly Auckland-Masterton route

Air New Zealand will begin direct flights between Masterton and Auckland from February, the airline announced today.

The new route will be operated six days a week by Eagle Air, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, using a 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.

Eagle Air General Manager Grant Kerr said he was expecting particularly strong interest for the new service from business travellers throughout the Wairarapa.

"There are a number of private and public sector businesses in Masterton that have strong connections in Auckland and elsewhere on the New Zealand network," he said.

"The new schedule has been designed primarily to meet the needs of business customers, with a 7.05am departure from Masterton and an early evening return service.

"We will also be offering a service departing Masterton on Friday evenings to suit customers looking to spend the weekend in Auckland."

Mr Kerr hoped the new service would stimulate tourism into the Wairarapa.

Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell said the improved links between Wairarapa and Auckland would boost business and tourism within the region.

Online fares between Masterton and Auckland begin from $105 one way per person and would be available from mid October.

- NZPA