| WELLINGTON - Air New Zealand's Managing Director, Ralph Norris, yesterday unveiled plans for a new fleet of budget domestic aircraft to turn around the ill-fated fortunes of Air New Zealand.
"We're no longer leasing the Boeing aircraft," said Norris at a press conference yesterday. "These cost $40 million a year to lease, compared with the comparable costs of $90,000 for a fleet of Toyota Hi-Ace Vans." Norris hopes that costs could be reduced further if passengers could see their way to help with the driving on the longer routes to lower the strain on the pilots. Other cost-cutting devices include reductions in Air New Zealand's well-known customer-focussed services. "All flights will now be BYO, ensuring customers can drink exactly what they wish on board the craft. Customers will also be asked to bring with them a packed lunch, a handtowel and a handkerchief in case of mishaps" added Norris.  One of the fleet of new Air New Zealand Hi-Ace vans. |
| Air NZ announce "no frills" fleet |
Saturday, 01 June 2002 12:00
