Air New Zealand says it's committed to maintaining regional connections, despite the Government turning down its offer. 

CEO Nikhil Ravishankar last week pitched a temporary subsidy for lesser used domestic flights, saying it might be necessary to keep them operational. 

But Prime Minister Chris Luxon says a subsidy isn't the answer, and Air New Zealand should shift its focus.

Ravishankar says it still isn't planning to leave the regions. 

"We know that it is a lot more than a commercial decision, it's a lifeline service at times. And we will do everything we can and everything we should be doing to ensure that connectivity remains."

LISTEN ABOVE

Air New Zealand says it's committed to maintaining regional connections, despite the Government turning down its offer.&nbsp;
CEO Nikhil Ravishankar last week pitched a temporary subsidy for lesser used domestic flights, saying it might be necessary to keep them operational.&nbsp;
But Prime Minister Chris Luxon says a subsidy isn't the answer, and Air New Zealand should shift its focus.
Ravishankar says it still isn't planning to leave the regions.&nbsp;
"We know that it is a lot more than a commercial decision, it's a lifeline service at times. And we will do everything we can and everything we should be doing to ensure that connectivity remains."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Nikhil Ravishankar: Air New Zealand CEO says the airline's committed to receiving a regional subsidy from the Government

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0c863223-a580-4aa6-88ac-b386006194f8/transcript

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