Cheap Tasman seats nearly booked out

Press, 20 February 1980, Page 12

Cheap Tasman seats nearly booked out

A heavy demand for cheap seats on international flights has meant that there are few spaces available for the rest of • this year. Air New Zealand reports that its off-season Tasman rates have proved especially popular. Nearly all of this category of seating has already been sold for this year. The rush for seats has been just as hectic for Qantas. Its sales manager (Mr K. Reid) said that no specialty seats to Brisbane or Sydney were left. There were, however, at least 1000 seats left for Melbourne and there would be cancellations on other routes. In spite of the success of the schemes, it is unlikely more seats will be allocated for the cheaper fares.- Representatives of

the two airlines felt that any increase would adversely affect the sale of higher-cost seats. - Discount fares of 30 per cent on domestic flights have shown a- gradual increase in popularity since gheir introduction on February 5. Air New Zealand’s regional ' manager (Mr K. E. Costello) said that 44 per cent of available off-peak seats for the week to February 25 had already been sold: This contrasted with the week to February 10 .when only 30 per cent of these seats were.sold. The airline expec‘ the demand to increase even further, now the 16 per cent fare rise is in effect. An off-peak return fare to Auckland costs $128.80, a saving of more than $54 on 'the normal fare. The cheap

return rate to Wellington is $68.60, a saving of more than $2B. People wishing to fly at these rates must book and buy a ticket at least a fortnight in advance. Cheaper rates are also being offered inernally by Mount Cook Airlines. Return trips to Auckland and Rotorua cost $135 and $125 respectively. To qualify, the traveller must- be away for at least three days and should book and buy a ticket a week aheau. The airline is happy with the demand. The “cheap” season for Air New Zealand will continue until August 7. For Mount Cook Airlines, the initial period for reduced fares is due to close on March 3-. However, this date may be extended and the scheme is likely to be repeated during the year.