Air New Zealand trans-Tasman services from Rotorua to commence this weekend

Air New Zealand will tomorrow (Saturday) commence the first direct air services between Sydney and Rotorua, utilising a 152 seat A320 aircraft.

The inaugural services to and from Rotorua are due to touch down at Rotorua International airport from Sydney at 2:35pm tomorrow, before departing for Sydney at 3:35pm.

Passengers on the inaugural inbound and outbound services will enjoy drinks and nibbles at the gate, champagne in flight as well as commemorative gifts to celebrate the occasion.

Rotorua is putting on a big welcome party, including a special air show with the arrival of the first flight to be the concluding highlight of the event.

“The commitment from tourism and business operators, the Council and general public has been outstanding,” says Air New Zealand General Manager Tasman Pacific Airline Glen Sowry.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their enthusiasm, which has helped to launch this new service.”
Air New Zealand is operating twice weekly services on Saturdays and Mondays until the end of January, after which it will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

“The Tasman is a tough market and we need the enthusiasm and support to continue for the service to be a success. The launch of the new Central Park marketing campaign will position Rotorua as the gateway to this region, and help drive further interest in the direct trans-Tasman services,” says Mr Sowry.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturdays from 12 December
Sydney-Rotorua 0920-1435
Rotorua-Sydney 1535-1720
Monday 21 and 28 December
Rotorua-Sydney 0915-1100
Sydney-Rotorua 1200-1715
Monday 4, 11, 18 and 25 January
Rotorua-Sydney 1350-1535
Sydney-Rotorua 1230-1745
Tuesdays from 2 February
Rotorua-Sydney 1535-1720
Sydney-Rotorua 0920-1435


Bookings for the Rotorua-Sydney service can be made at www.airnewzealand.co.nz