Concept backed by tourism groups and airlines
Trans-Tasman flights could be classified as domestic services within 12 months after Australia and New Zealand agreed to pursue a common border policy.
Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and John Key yesterday said they would push ahead with the
concept, first floated 17 years ago. The proposal has received the backing of tourism groups and airlines. The Tourism and Transport Forum said the proposal would stimulate demand and generate savings.
“It means flights between the two countries would effectively become domestic services, leading to significant cost savings for passengers in terms of government taxes and charges, as well as saving them time at either end,” executive director Olivia Wirth said.
Air New Zealand general manager Australia, John Harrison, said the airline supported the proposal. “It would be good for tourism between the two countries,” Harrison said, adding that the expected passenger growth from Sydney airport would likely see
narrowbodied aircraft “squeezed out” of the international terminal and over to the domestic terminal. He admitted biosecurity and immigration would be the biggest
hurdles. “But it shouldn’t be that tough a nut to crack,” Harrison said.
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