Pacific Blue to start domestic operations in New Zealand

On 23 August 2007 details were announced by Brett Godfrey of domestic services to be operated by New Zealand-based Virgin Blue subsidiary, Pacific Blue. The initial operations will be on the AKL-WLG-CHC triangle commencing on 15 November 2007 with further destinations to follow. The aircraft to be used is the 180-seat Boeing 737-800.

With the airline being Australian-owned, this is a rare example of a cabotage service.

Air New Zealand responded almost immediately by dropping some of its fare levels. Pacific Blue will also be competing against Qantas subsidiary, JetConnect, which trades under the Qantas brand name.

I attended the launch in Wellington.