Freedom ends domestic flights, expands service to Australia

Air New Zealand said today it will increase services to Queensland, the main overseas holiday destination for New Zealanders.

The company said in a statement that from October 27, Air NZ's subsidiary Freedom Air would launch new direct services to Brisbane from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

It would also provide direct services to the Gold Coast (Coolangatta) from Christchurch and expand its current Auckland to Gold Coast services.

The changes would provide 19 per cent more capacity between New Zealand and the prime holiday gateway of Brisbane, and fares will be lower.

"The clear message in research of our leisure customers was the demand for lower fares and more flights. By using Freedom on this prime leisure route, we can respond directly to our customers' needs" Air NZ's senior vice-president, sales and distribution, Norm Thompson said.

Freedom Air would operate 16 Freedom flights per week (2272 seats) to Brisbane from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, starting October 27.

Auckland would benefit from three Freedom flights per week, Wellington six per week and Christchurch would have a daily service. Christchurch would also get three new flights per week to the Gold Coast (Coolangatta).

Freedom Air services will be withdrawn from domestic routes on September 23 to enable the expansion of Freedom Air operations on the trans-Tasman routes.