The Taupō Mayor says he'd be surprised if Air New Zealand cut its popular regional route.  

Some regional flights could be on the chopping block after the airline posted a $40 million half-year loss. 

It's pointed to ongoing fleet constraints, a slower recovery in domestic demand, and persistently high aviation system inflation.  

Mayor John Funnell told Ryan Bridge he understands costs are rising, but the Taupō to Auckland flights are close to full every time. 

He says they have a good relationship with Air New Zealand and isn't expecting any changes.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

The Taupō Mayor says he'd be surprised if Air New Zealand cut its popular regional route. &nbsp;
Some regional flights could be on the chopping block after the airline posted a $40 million half-year loss.&nbsp;
It's pointed to ongoing fleet constraints, a slower recovery in domestic demand, and persistently high aviation system inflation. &nbsp;
Mayor John Funnell told Ryan Bridge he understands costs are rising, but the Taupō to Auckland flights are close to full every time.&nbsp;
He says they have a good relationship with Air New Zealand and isn't expecting any changes. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

John Funnell: Taupō Mayor on the risk of regional flight routes being cut after Air NZ reported a $40m half-year loss

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/900bc222-82b0-4e89-83ef-b3fd016bd688/transcript