Qantas to launch permanent domestic service

By SCOTT INGLIS

Qantas today announced it will launch a domestic service in New Zealand starting on June 1.

Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said the Boeing 737 service would operate 10 round trips each day between Auckland Wellington and eight between Auckland and Christchurch.

It will offer business class and economy class.

Qantas said it will run and manage the New Zealand operation.

Qantas has been serving the domestic market to help fill the gap left by the collapse of its franchise Qantas NZ late last month.

Its cut-price $150 Auckland-Wellington and $178 Auckland-Christchurch fares - which have undercut Air New Zealand subsidiary Freedom - will continue for the rest of May.

The airline remained coy over its fares after that, other than saying: "We look forward to long term competition in the New Zealand market."

Qantas was also in talks with Nelson-based Origin Pacific to service other routes and destinations.