Tokyo flights approved

Press, 25 May 1984, Page 3

Tokyo flights approved

From BRUCE ROSCOE in Tokyo The Japanese Government has granted Air New Zealand permission to fly an additional jumbo 747 on the Auckland Tokyo route for up to six months during the peak New Zealand summer season. In two days of talks between both countries’ civil aviation and airline officials in Tokyo this week, it was also agreed that Air New Zealand could add a 747 on the route in the 1985-1986 peak period. -jMr Brian Lynch, r the deputy secretary for trans-

port who led the New Zealand delegation at the talks, said that approval was granted for a second Air New Zealand service for a five-month period. The airline could have an additional six months if it wanted it, he added. “The advantage of getting the approval now is that Air New Zealand can get its publicity and planning done earlier than last year. The late Japanese approval last year meant that for the four summer months the load factor of the extra jumbo was less than 50 per cent,” Mr Lynch said.

Air New Zealand is expected to route the additional jumbo between October and March, departing Auckland on Sunday night. Mr Lynch said that it was a temporary arrangement. Japanese officials had indicated, however, that if Air New Zealand wished to repeat it in the 1985-1986 period, there would be no problems. Traffic on the route was still highly seasonal with 59 per.cent of passengers flying sin the New Zealand summer.