Pacific Blue Airlines launches Domestic New Zealand Flights

The first Pacific Blue Airlines domestic flights take off today from Christchurch and Auckland bound for Wellington, New Zealand.

The airline is now operating services between the three key cities of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and is the first new domestic carrier to enter the New Zealand market for over six years. Pacific Blue’s decision to enter the domestic market follows nearly four years of success operating trans-Tasman and South Pacific services.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive and co-founder, Brett Godfrey said, “As a challenger brand we are always attracted to markets that are constrained by lacklustre competition and monopolistic or duopolistic suppliers. New Zealand is a prime example of this and we are pleased that from today, New Zealanders will have increased choice, more affordable fares and greater travel options.”

Pacific Blue’s inaugural flights touched down in Wellington at 8:00am and 8.05am. The arrival of the flights were followed by a celebration at Wellington Airport featuring a champagne breakfast and a special performance by New Zealand rock band, “Evermore” for special guests including Members of Parliament, VIP guests from the New Zealand business and tourism communities, aviation industry partners and Pacific Blue team members.

From today, Pacific Blue will be flying regularly between the three main centres:

• Auckland–Wellington: Five direct daily return flights with fares starting from $69 one-way on the internet
• Auckland–Christchurch: Two direct daily return flights with fares starting from $79 one-way on the internet 
• Wellington–Christchurch: Three direct daily return flights with fares starting from $59 one-way on the internet

As part of its launch celebrations the airline raised well over $1,000 for Variety – the children’s charity. This included an online auction of the first seat on the first Pacific Blue domestic flight from Auckland to Wellington. A New Zealand aviation fan bid $1,014 for seat 1A on the inaugural return flight, and the opportunity to be a part of New Zealand aviation history.

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