Glimmer of hope for air link

Press, 25 January 1988, Page 5

Glimmer of hope for air link

By

LES BLOXHAM,

travel editor

Australian Airlines has given a firm assurance that it has not abandoned its Christ-church-Hobart link. The airline withdrew its Saturday flights 10 months ago, six years after pioneering the route.

However, the airline’s marketing manager, Mr Denis Adams, said the withdrawal should be viewed as only a “temporary suspension,” as the link was still under serious consideration.

“There is a glimmer of hope that we will be

back with one of our new Boeing 737 s early next summer,” he said.

Mr Adams was in New Zealand for the opening of the airline’s new office in Auckland. He said market research showed that New Zealand tourists were seeking more sophisticated Australian holidays. “Adventure holidays at destinations such as Ayres Rock and Cairns, with their international standard of accommodation and facilities, are in demand,” he said. New Zealand families are apparently also

planning their Australian holidays round specific cultural and sporting events.

Australia’s bicentennial celebrations would be a big drawcard this year, and record numbers were also expected to visit Brisbane for the World Expo.

“One New Zealand tour wholesaler who offered an Expo holiday package was swamped,” Mr Adams said.

“In just 10 days, 120 packages were sold.” Another indication of New Zealanders’ changing holiday preferences,

he said, was that 45,000 had travelled to Australia to see the musical, “Cats.”

The airline’s regional manager, Mr Peter McClintock, said Australian Airlines had maintained an office in Auckland since the mid--19605. The larger premises, on the eighteenth floor of West Plaza Building, reflected the airline’s strong links with the New Zealand travel industry, he said.

The airline also has offices in Christchurch and Wellington.