Kiwi’s Thirst for Travel Re-Ignites, Air New Zealand Sells 110k Tickets

Summary

• Air New Zealand sold more than 110,000 tickets in just one day on Monday.
• The government announced that physical distancing would no longer be required on flights, but face mask still stands compulsory for the passengers.
• The battered travel sector seems to be getting some optimism; the travel enthusiasts are showing tremendous response.
• Jetstar is also expected to resume its operations following the announcement from the government.

While the travel sector has been one of the worst hit in the face of COVID-19 crisis, Air New Zealand (NZX:AIR) is under the spotlight for reflecting some signs of revival for the sector amidst relaxed social distancing norms.

The government of New Zealand lately announced that physical distancing would no longer be required on flights, following which the airline sold recording-breaking tickets.

Subsequently, Air New Zealand released a statement stating that the airline sold more than 110,000 tickets just in one day.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world and halted travel prospects, Air New Zealand sold an average 31,000 seats each day.

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After relaxed norms were announced by the government, the airline released 180,000 airfares for sale. Notably, 160,000 of the total tickets were available for under NZ$50.

Looking at the massive ticket sale, Air New Zealand's CEO Greg Foran stated that shows New Zealanders are clearly keen to get out and travel around Aotearoa.

Foran said as soon as the government announced the removal of physical distance rules for the flights, the airline saw strong travel demand. Astonishingly, the first 70,000 seats were sold in the early six hours. T?maki Makaurau - T?huna, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and ?tautahi were the destinations in hot demand.

He further said that it is terrific to see customers book the flights to destinations like Waih?pai, Whang?rei and Kerikeri. Foran stated that the New Zealanders were incredibly supportive of the airline as it has been a challenging year for the airline and the entire industry.

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Air New Zealand: Action Plan

Air New Zealand is looking forward to welcoming more customers on board for their upcoming domestic trips. For the travellers, physical distancing is no longer required, but they do have to wear the masks.

Air New Zealand's lounges are also open under COVID-19 alert level 2. Due to the safety measures and restrictions, each lounge has a maximum capacity of 100 people.

Currently, the airline is flying on 70 to 75% of the pre-COVID-19 level with ~ 200,000 weekly seats.

The Ministry of Health said that travellers need to keep some distance if possible. Maintaining acceptable hygiene practices such as regular hand washing is also encouraged for safety.

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Jetstar On Revival Path

Another airline, Jetstar also announced that it would resume its operations in New Zealand after the government announced relaxations on the physical distancing rules.

Jetstar will begin flying from the country's leading areas from September 17. After a four-week long pause, Jetstar will resume around 75 flights per week on its domestic routes.

Government Extends Current Covid-19 Alert Levels

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently said that the cabinet has decided for a short extension to the current alert levels in the country. For Auckland, current restrictions of alert level 2.5 and level 2 for the rest of the country will be extended.

Specifically, the cabinet is going to hold a meeting to review the current level for Auckland. The meeting is scheduled for next Monday, September 21, with a plan to discuss the gathering limit, which depends if the cluster is contained.

Ardern said if the change is agreed upon in the meeting, it will come into force on September 23.

She also mentioned that the cabinet has agreed in principle for the rest of New Zealand to move to alert level 1 on Monday, September 21. It will be confirmed on Monday if the cases are contained as the way they are.

She also gave credit to the level 2 precautions that are supporting in containing virus spread across rest of Kiwiland.

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Physical Distance and Travel Specifications

Ardern announced that the physical distance on the planes and public transport would not be required anymore.

Public transport operators, including trains, buses and airlines, are not expected to maintain seating restrictions unlike previous level 2 requirements. The passenger capacity limit is also eased now. But the use of face masks is still compulsory on public transport at level 2 and higher.

While commenting on travelling and airport safety, Arden said that the government wants to see airlines enforcing masks used for the passengers as it has been a critical part of the director-general's decision and advice. She also expects the airlines to follow and maintain physical distance while loading the passengers and disembarkation, as these are the main points where congestion is seen.

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