In what appears to be a common trend Air New Zealand is slashing more 1900D services with AKL-MRO and WLG-WAG being cut, and AKL-ROT going to Q300 for morning services.
This follows in the footsteps of earlier changes including a morning Q300 service on the WLG-BHE route replacing two1900D services. The extra Q300 capacity is due to the new ATR 72-600s being introduced to several Q300 routes.
The Auckland to Masterton route ends in February 2014, while the Wellington to Wanganui service ends in December this year.
Blaming uneconomic operations and lack of demand, Air New Zealand executives told Wairarapa mayors today the service from Masterton Airport would cease from February 5.
In scuttlebutt around the internet there is word that Air New Zealand subsidiary Eagle Air is looking to sell 8 of their 1900D fleet but this is yet to be substantiated by any proof.
The main article for this on the NZ Herald website appears to have been removed despite being a trending topic and most read story with the links returning you to the home page, however the article can still be seen at the Wairarapa Times-Age site HERE (which itself is a subsidiary of the NZ Herald)
(Reproduced from NZ Aviation Notes by Permission ©2008-2013)
Rotorua Aviation Scene 