Found on the net today
Qantas takes axe to NZ routes
Qantas is taking the axe to its domestic service in New Zealand in the wake of falling passenger numbers.
But Air New Zealand is holding fire, citing good business on its main trunk routes.
Documents obtained by The Independent today show Qantas will cut its 114 domestic flights a week by 29 or 25.4 per cent, to 85 by the end of January.
It will start paring back services from December 6 on routes from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown and from Christchurch to Queenstown and to Rotorua.
Some of these flights are traditionally reduced at this time of year, particularly peak time business services. But the airline says it does not at this stage intend increasing the schedules again once the Christmas holiday period is over.
Qantas said in a statement the cutbacks are a result of the global economic situation.
"There are no plans for staff reductions as a direct result of this decision," it said.
"However, in the current prevailing market conditions, Qantas continues to review all aspects of its business."
Last edited by c100driver; 12th Nov 2008 at 20:54.