I'm pretty sure the B737s still fly a lot of domestic in NZ
AKL-WLG-AKL
AKL-CHC-AKL
AKL-DUD-AKL
AKL-ZQN-AKL
ROT-CHC
CHC-WLG-CHC
CHC-ZQN-CHC
CHC-ZQN-ROT-CHC
Looks like a pretty substanial route structure for the B737 to me.
The Q400X I think would supplement the B737, not replace it.
I don't think Air NZ would cut much B737 flying out, on most of these routes they need the capacity of the B737, pax and freight. Sure at low traffic times, throw a Q400 on it, but during peak, they probably need a B737.
And I think the 73 would be safe for some time yet as they use the fleet to go AKL-NIUE-AKL and to other Pacific destinations time to time.
And I hear that two more are coming from Air Malta on dry lease... as well as using the Blue Bus (Thompsonfly) which we see around the skies at the moment.
You could easily put the Q400 on the ZQN-CHC-ROT route, and occasionally throw a B737 on at peak times like they do now, and still tell everyone that you fly a jet on that route.
JetConnect (Qantas) only fly ZQN-ROT once a day, all you do as Air NZ is make sure at the times they fly, you put a B737 on at the same time.
Sorry to harp on, this topic is something I love debating about..
