New attempt to lower air fare to N.Z.

Press, 22 September 1980, Page 4

New attempt to lower air fare to N.Z.

By Ken Coates in London A Jersey-based textile manufacturer, Mr S. J. Weaving, who hopes to negotiate a new low air fare between New Zealand and Britain, has begun a campaign aimed at world-wide, low-cost, air travel for family reunions. Advertisements calling for public support have been placed in national newspapers and magazines. The campaign is being organised by the world’s largest reunion travel club, the Friendship Foundation, of which Mr Weaving is the founder and president. “Even with Apex and super Apex fares, thousands of empty seats are flown every year to destinations such as New' Zealand and Australia,” said Mr Weawing, who arrived back from a visit to New Zealand last week.

He is optimistic that Air New Zealand will agree to chartering half its aircraft bn. a. specific day of the week to and from Los Angeles.

He has already had talks with Sir Freddie Laker — “a good friend of mine” — who has assured him of a block booking arrangement from London to Los Angeles. The present lowest fare on this route is $643 return, and on this basis, Mr Weaving hopes to be able to introduce a return AucklandLondon fare of between $llOO to $l2OO. Mr Weaving is also seeking public support for his proposal in New Zealand and ■ already 460 advertisements had been returned with-a positive answer, he said. New Zealand forms about 10 per cent of the reunion travel organised by the Friendship Foundation, and its overseas organisations in South Africa, Canada, Australia, and other countries. The proposal envisages a change in regulations providing for a part charter — chartering a section instead of a complete aircraft', as present regulations demand.