5 February 2021
To accommodate strong domestic demand the regional lounge will be open on weekdays, in addition to the Wellington domestic lounge which is open as per usual, and remains open for customers travelling on weekends and public holidays.
Air New Zealand Senior Manager Global Lounges and Valet Alison Swarbrick says the airline is looking forward to welcoming customers back to the popular regional lounge.
“It’s great to see Kiwis travel their own country and we’re pleased to be open again to provide our customers with a comfortable place to enjoy refreshments and relax ahead of their departure.
“Our refreshed summer menu has been very popular in our other ports and now Wellington regional customers will get the chance to try some of our new menu items like house-made immunity boost juices, vegetarian pita pockets and raw cacao and coconut bars.”
Like all airlines around the world, Air New Zealand has been struggling with the coronavirus pandemic. The national carrier flew 8.4 million passengers last year, down from 17.6 million in 2019. With borders closed for much of 2020, the number of international flights fell from 30,000 to 9586. The number of domestic flight numbers was down by 50,000 to 105,000. Even without international tourists during what were its busiest months before the pandemic, the airline operated at close to 85 per cent of its pre-Covid schedule between December 21, 2020 and January 10, 2021, a spokesperson said.
Stuff