New Airbus A350s are now available to airlines with Wellington-specific modifications which mean they can operate with full passenger loads to and from certain Asian hubs.

Pilots are working with the airport on the new plan.

NZ Air Line Pilots Association president Andrew McKeen, also an international 787 pilot, said the organization was working with the airport operator (WIAL) on the installation of an Engineered Material Arrest System (EMAS), which provides a safety zone without the need to extend the runway.

“We continue to work with WIAL, which is a welcome change from the relationship the parties endured a decade ago,” said President McKeen.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa general manager Greg Thomas said new flights would be welcome.

“Each international flight contributes $1.4 million on average to the local economy, so this will be a huge boost to central NZ and will diversify the local economy,” he said.

Enabling long-haul flights for Wellington means direct connectivity between the Pacific and central New Zealand.

“It really opens up the opportunity to expand and develop new itineraries across the country and encourages more visits to areas that are currently under-represented.”

The Travel Agents Association of NZ said the possibility of direct flights to Asia on wide-body aircraft is a game changer for travelers in the Wellington region.

”We have seen time and time again that new routes not only redistribute existing traffic; they create completely new travel possibilities. This extra capacity will mean more people travel, which is a significant win for the airline industry and a much-needed boost to New Zealand’s economy, says the organisation’s chief executive Julie White.

– From an incoming perspective, it is about more than just passengers. It is about additional export revenue at a time when New Zealand Inc is striving to balance the books. This expansion will inject much-needed support into Wellington’s hotel, retail and tourism sectors, while driving a wider spread to boost regional tourism across the surrounding areas.”

New services would stimulate regional spread and increase access to international markets for both passengers and freight.

”It is an important step to support our exporters and ensure Wellington remains a critical player in global trade networks.

“When we think about international air services to New Zealand, our biggest challenge is cost. Airlines pay the vast majority of the costs of the civil aviation system – including airports, Air Traffic Control (Airways), CAA and Aviation Security Services, customs and biosecurity charges. Many of these prices has increased or is expected to increase.”

Barnz has a long-standing issue with Auckland Airport’s redevelopment costs which she said would involve spending $5.9 billion by 2032.

Airways is consulting on replacing Auckland’s control tower, which could add $77 million to airline costs.

O’Brien said Civil Aviation Authority and Avsec fees could rise between 66% and 146%.

In addition to these costs charged to the airlines, visitors to New Zealand also pay increased costs.

Since October, many visitors to New Zealand face increased visa costs and also pay an increased international visitor fee of $100.

“It is not clear what the tourism part of the IVL will be spent on, and so far there is no process for transparency in the collection or expenditure of this levy,” she said.

Barnz received increasing feedback from its members, noting that New Zealand is becoming a much more expensive destination to operate to.

“With all these costs applied to international (and domestic) airlines, I think significant growth for international air services and tourism will be a real challenge – for Wellington Airport or indeed anyone else.”

Grant Bradley has worked at the Herald since 1993. He is the Business Herald’s associate editor covering aviation and tourism.