More flights by Continental

Press, 8 July 1986, Page 28

More flights by Continental

Continental Airlines plans to increase its services between New Zealand and North America from seven a week to nine from November 1.

The airline is seeking the approval of the New Zealand, United States and French Governments for permission to bring in the two additional flights from Los Angeles through Papeete to Auckland and Sydney — and return. The two new flights will pass through Auckland on Mondays and Saturdays in each direction. This will mean six return services a week from Auckland to Sydney — every day except Thursday — as well as the Monday, Thursday and Saturday returns to Melbourne.

Continental’s general manager in New Zealand, Mr Richard Elliot, said the plans were subject to the approval of the Governments concerned, but said: “We’re enthusiastic

about the prospects for the New Zealand tourist industry from a new Los Angeles, Papeete, Auckland and Sydney link, and it will offer new travel opportunities for New Zealand consumers.” Mr Elliot said one of the reasons for the new service is to allow Continental Pacific Vacations — the airline’s marketing arm in North America — to be able to sell the whole South Pacific region without having to link with other carriers for places such as Tahiti.

“It’s an expression of our confidence in the immediate future of tourism through this whole region,” he said.

“We will also be able to serve the considerable cruise ship business based on Papeete, and we also think Tahiti as a destination will interest New Zealanders and Australians.”