Air New Zealand’s commitment and competitive pricing

Dear Editor,

RE Air New Zealand reaasures Samoa about its commitment

Thanks Air NZ for the 70 years of service to Samoa – for that I think you deserve recognition and good effort Laura in ‘clearing’ the air on the alleged rumours that Air NZ have been working with Virgin Australia to fix capacity and keep airfares high.

As a frequent traveller, I wouldn’t say you were illegally fixing prices – but I will say that I think you are maximising profits on a route you know are guaranteed to be filled especially during peak services/times. 

After 70 years you definitely have it down pact now when independence, church gatherings and tourism events are on and travel patterns (last minute faalavelave bookings) – and in doing so charge through the roof, as that saying goes “because you can” and sadly because we are Samoans who are family oriented, have to travel for various purposes – we have no choice but to comply. 

So in that ‘competitive market’ you mention, there certainly is competitive and positive returns for both Air NZ and Virgin Australia not so much the travelling public. 

Thanks for the statistics too on growth seats on offer and the additional 50,000 seats – were these seats on competitive pricing as well? 

The tip to book well ahead is redundant too, even booking ahead eg now for Christmas brings up over $1300 NZD return. Recently, I booked ahead for a trip to visit my brother in Australia were it was $1800 WST one way on both Air NZ and Virgin Samoa or is it Virgin Australia? 

What is happening with that JV? 

Lots of noise lately and not a lot of action or change for us.

What is our Government doing about it? 

Is the pricing being regulated? 

How much are these airlines making out of us? 

If the airfare is over double yet route shorter than to america and beyond. A return to New Zealand now during Christmas is close price to Los Angeles!

And if the visiting family are struggling to comprehend the expensive airfares,  imagine the choice for tourists when deciding between Fiji and Samoa… no wonder the occupancy rates are low. 

Air access is directly linked to tourism outcomes and something has to change... and soon!

 

Feu Eto

Sick of paying high fares

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