New Zealand: National Airlines Expands Across the Tasman

[Tonnic21]

Media Statement - 1999

National is excited to announce the launch of its new Melbourne operations hub under the Tasman open skies agreement, marking a major step in the airline's strategy to better connect regional communities across the South Pacific.  The move will extend National's high-frequency regional model across the Tasman, targeting markets that have long been underserved and opening up stronger links for regional travellers.

Despite regretably closing the Dunedin base after ongoing losses, National will continue operating frequent services to and from the city and will maintain the city's only international flight (MEL-DUD).  The airline's valued staff have been offered redployment opportunities at National's second Otago hub, Queenstown.

"Regional communities have been underserved for too long," a spokesperson said. "Our ambition is to deliver the same strong regional connectivity to Australia as we do within New Zealand's provinces."

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