Origin Pacific finds new partners

Tuesday 24th February 2004

Nelson-based airline Origin Pacific has finished its push for post-Qantas partners, having established new relationships with three international carriers.

General manager sales and marketing Ewan Wilson yesterday announced deals with Malaysian Airlines, Garuda and Aerolineas Argentinas to provide add-on domestic fares for their passengers.

The deals are similar to those already signed with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, P&O Cruises, Air Tahiti Nui and Korean Air.

Wilson said the latest announcement marked the end of the "big push" for partners after Qantas announced that its domestic codeshare agreement would finish at the end of next month.

Aside from Qantas, Malaysian Airlines was the most frequent visitor to Auckland Airport that did not have a relationship with Air New Zealand, and securing the deal was "good news" for international travellers and Origin .

"It does mean our service can be marketed to, and used by, more passengers," Wilson said.

He said the company was working towards establishing relationships with Pacific Blue and Emirates .

Origin has already reshuffled its flight schedules to better connect with flights out of Auckland, adding early morning flights from Wellington using 64-seat ATR72 turboprop aircraft previously dedicated to Qantas services between Christchurch and Rotorua.

It has also replaced smaller 29-seat Jetstream 41 aircraft with ATRs on three other services throughout the day.

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