On May 8, Air New Zealand announced a launch date of October 29 for new regional services benefiting customers in Invercargill, Wellington, Tauranga, Christchurch and New Plymouth.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Norm Thompson says the new services reflect Air New Zealand's ongoing commitment to regional New Zealand, and to making it easier for customers to travel direct to popular regional destinations.

In February the airline introduced regular weekday services between Wanganui and Wellington; a second daily service between Wellington and Westport; and lifted daily services between Wellington-Taupo and Christchurch-Hokitika from four to five.

Mr Thompson says these services are striking a chord with customers wanting to fly direct into the larger regions in New Zealand.

"We are committed to supporting regional communities and we've been delighted and very encouraged by the strong uptake for the services that we have recently introduced."

"We're anticipating the same level of support and enthusiasm for the new regional services we're launching on October 29."

As previously announced, Air New Zealand will introduce new non-stop routes between Invercargill and Wellington (six flights a week), a weekday flight between Tauranga and Christchurch, and a weekday flight between New Plymouth and Christchurch.

All these flights - now available for sale - would be operated with the new fleet of Bombardier Q300 aircraft, which carry 50 passengers.

Mr Thompson also confirmed that from June 4 customers in Christchurch and Hamilton will benefit from an additional daily service between the two cities.

"From June, we'll be stepping up from two to three ATR trips per weekday on the Christchurch-Hamilton route, to meet the customer demand that we're experiencing."

From January 2008, Air New Zealand will be introducing a daily year-round ATR service between Wellington and Queenstown. Historically this service has operated just in the July to September ski season.

"Queenstown continues to be a hugely popular destination for tourists and holidaying Kiwis alike, and we're confident the demand will well support a year-round service."

Air New Zealand also expects in January 2008 to introduce a primetime morning service between Wellington and Dunedin, using its ATR aircraft.

Mr Thompson says Air New Zealand will continue to review and adjust its regional schedule to meet the changing demands of its customers.