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Auckland, March 13, 2022
International airlines are pleased that the government has recognised the role that they played in bringing in critical supplies like vaccines and medicines and helping keep supply chains open during the pandemic.
Patrick Whelan, Aviation Development Manager for the Board of Airlines Representatives of New Zealand (BARNZ), said that the $250 million extension of the Maintaining International Air Connectivity (MIAC) Scheme will in return help airlines to recover.
“Rather than just halt MIAC, the government is implementing a phased approach through to March 2023 that will allow international traveller numbers to grow. It is sensible if we want to ensure vital supply lines remain open,” he said.
Awaiting international travellers
According to Mr Whelan, airlines want to get back to cover their costs on all flights as soon as possible, but that will need the border letting in international visitors to be sustainable.
“This extension supports keeping our critical routes open through the transition. Airlines around the world are in recovery mode and deploying assets where they can start to rebuild. If the MIAC scheme had been halted, New Zealand faced a threat of losing airfreight channels when sea freight globally is still facing enormous challenges,” he said.
Mr Whelan said that New Zealand’s economy relies on being able to export goods and to get essential supplies like medicines into the country.
“Airlines have fulfilled that rule with the help of the MIAC Scheme,” he said.
About BARNZ:
The Board of Airlines Representatives of New Zealand Inc. is the trusted voice of the airline industry in New Zealand. It works closely with the government, regulators, businesses, and local communities to provide cost savings and service improvements for its member airlines; It also aims to create an environment that fosters continued, sustainable growth for them in New Zealand. Website: www.barnz.org.nz
