Now this is the interesting part...
QUOTE
"It is likely that the new fleet will be Auckland-based, providing us with an excellent spread of regional aircraft including bases in Christchurch, Nelson and Hamilton. This will give us a solid platform for regional growth particularly into and out of Auckland."[/quote]
So, will Mt Cook open an Auckland base or will these go to Air Nelson, of in which case will the crew be on the Air Nelson Q300 contract or a new one to match the current ATR contract?
Nice to see more new a/c for regional centers though, I prefer the Q series for looks and as a punter but given its performance in Australia I think the ATR will serve Air NZ better, plus by all accounts the Q400 isn't all that similar to the Q300 (different type ratings to begin with) so I imagine any possible synergies would be minimal.

Posted:
Wed Oct 19, 2011 2:48 pm
by huff3r
Exciting stuff, hopefully this means a few more new job openings in AirNZs regional partner airlines


Posted:
Wed Oct 19, 2011 4:23 pm
by andrewb
Talk is they may use the ATR on some of the fuller flights out of New Plymouth instead of the Q300 (currently all Q300 flights, with a B19D thrown in here and there). The Dash definitely wins on looks, and I think, speed - but I guess efficiency won out, although the Q400 would carry (a few) more passengers. I've never liked the look of the ATR, the engines look like they're gonna fall off and the stumpy crab-like landing gear, and what's up with the entrance at the rear?

Posted:
Wed Oct 19, 2011 4:24 pm
by chopper_nut
I hate flying on ATRs. The seats in them are terrible, if your over 5ft then your in trouble.