Anniversary of L.A. link

Press, 22 October 1986, Page 9

Anniversary of L.A. link

By

LES BLOXHAM,

travel editor Air New Zealand will celebrate the first anniversary of its “southern connection” between Christchurch and Los Angeles next week, deeply satisfied with the support it has received and optimistic about the future of the service. When the weekly flights between Christchurch, Nandi, Honolulu, and Los Angeles were introduced on October 29 last year

South Islanders were prodded by the airline’s chief executive, Mr Norman Geary, to “use it or lose it.” The airline’s regional manager (southern), Mr Paul Bowe, said yesterday he was delighted with the support the flights were receiving from travel agents and exporters. “I am pleased to say that everyone has got right behind it,” said Mr Bowe. Asked if there was any danger of the service being withdrawn, Mr

Bowe said, “I can see no chance of that happening. It has become a very successful and vital link between the South Island and North America.” Mr Bowe said that the service was also being very well supported by Australian travellers. The Boeing 747 s begin and end their flights at Sydney and there is a Boeing 767 feeder service between Christchurch and Melbourne. Mr Bowe said the airline was particularly pleased by the enthusias-

tic support the “southern connection” was receiving from South Island exporters. At peak times, particularly during the salmon season, the aircraft was lifting close to 24 tonnes of freight. The flights also provided a faster and more direct service for mail, he said. Mr Bowe said Air New Zealand had no immediate plans to increase frequency or change the route.