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Air NZ rejects Canberra: we're not going there

Regular upgrades at Canberra's airport doesn't seem to be enough to attract new international airlines, even those based just across the Tasman.

Regular upgrades at Canberra’s airport doesn’t seem to be enough to attract new international airlines, even those based just across the Tasman.

Air New Zealand has confirmed it has no current plans to add Australia’s capital to its network, despite a push for more direct international services from Chief Minister Andrew Barr, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Last week, Mr Barr reportedly spoke to New Zealand’s leaders about introducing flights from Canberra to the country’s cities, and even announced a business case to investigate the benefits of these flights.

Air New Zealand tail

Air New Zealand says it has no plans to visit Canberra.

He said international services would not only generate around $50 million a year, but also create 400 new jobs in the city.

However, a spokesperson told the newspaper in a statement that there was no deal in the works.

“Air New Zealand is constantly assessing its route network, however, we don’t have any current plans to operate flights to Canberra.”

Air New Zealand statement

This comes as a blow to the city, which in April last year opened a new terminal.

Around $480 million was spent on the terminal between 2009-2013. It designed to give the city ‘pride and confidence’.

Canberra Airport 2

The news comes as a blow to Canberra Airport, which last year opened a second multi-million dollar terminal.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, while Air NZ isn’t jumping on using the new infrastructure, discussions are reportedly underway with Singapore Airlines.

Airline representatives have declined to comment.

The Australian government’s goal is to build the ACT’s regional economy through air travel, however, so far no airline has accepted the $1.1 million in funding for cooperative marketing.

Do you think Canberra is ideal for international services?