Jetstar pitch in final stages

Rotorua is in the final stage of preparing its business case on why Jetstar should include the city in its regional destinations. Photograph by Stephen Parker.

Rotorua is in the final stage of preparing its business case on why Jetstar should include the city in its regional destinations.

While keeping the details under wraps, Mayor Steve Chadwick said the case focused on two key areas - making sure it was commercially viable and attracting an air service that linked Rotorua more effectively with the South Island.

Mrs Chadwick said since Jetstar announced plans in mid-June to expand to at least four regional airports, a great deal of work had been undertaken to develop a robust business case, which focused on sustainable benefits for everyone involved.

It was being led by Rotorua Airport, working alongside Rotorua Lakes Council, Destination Rotorua and Grow Rotorua, with input from other stakeholders such as the Chamber of Commerce, and various business and industry sectors.

Mrs Chadwick said the group were finalising the proposal which would be submitted to Jetstar by the end of the week.

"As the business case is still being finalised, we're not able to provide more detail at this stage.

"However, what we can say at present is that there are two key areas of focus for Rotorua."

Mrs Chadwick said the first was making sure the proposal would be commercially viable and sustainable in the long-term for everyone involved - including the local community, council, airport, airlines and others.

"The second key area of focus is to attract air services that more effectively link us with the South Island - and Queenstown in particular. Rotorua has made it clear that this direct link is critical for tourism and economic development purposes.

"This will continue to be a priority in discussions with both Jetstar and Air New Zealand."

Mrs Chadwick said ultimately the goal with any airline was about increasing capacity and that was something it had been able to achieve with Air New Zealand recently.

She said Rotorua had a long history with Air New Zealand, and it continued to demonstrate commitment to the region with increased capacity.

"We want to be supportive of any airline coming into Rotorua, and the most important demonstration of public support is always going to be the one that is shown by bookings."

Mrs Chadwick said Jetstar would make its decision on how well the business case stacked up for it.

"Equally, we have to ensure any such arrangement also stacks up for Rotorua."

Key dates

June 18: Jetstar announced plans for a regional network, and said Rotorua was under consideration.

June 24: Jetstar officials visit Rotorua as part of a whirlwind tour of possible destinations.

September: Announcements expected to be made.

December: Flights expected to take off at selected destinations.