Bay fares fall but more seats sought

Air New Zealand has reduced prices on some routes for Hawke's Bay, but the actual number of tickets to be sold at a reduced price remains to be seen.

The "lead-in" flight prices announced by Air New Zealand on Wednesday show a one-way flight between Hawke's Bay and Auckland could be available for $79 - a drop of 11 per cent, and a one-way trip to Christchurch is listed for $89 - down 18 per cent.

But lead-in fares, which are offered online up to two months or more in advance, effectively sold out first and "may not be available on all flights".

An Air New Zealand representative said yesterday the percentage of tickets available as a lead-in fare on a flight could not be disclosed as it was commercially sensitive.

Fares would also be reduced across different pricing levels, and not just lead-in fares, but the representative did not elaborate.

The announcement came on the back of the Think Tourism forum held last week, attended by Hawke's Bay's George Hickton, Annie Dundas, Fenton Wilson, and Wayne Wootton.

Hastings District Councillor Simon Nixon said he had some doubts about the announcement.

"I have some reservations as to how real it is, and how much of an illusion it is," Mr Nixon said.

"Any fare reduction is good but I'm not convinced it is as good as it's been painted to be.

"I think there not only needs to be a reduction in fares, but an increase in the number of seats, otherwise we've gained nothing."

Air New Zealand said it was investing US$161 million in new ATR72-600 aircraft to fly regional routes.