I've read of some big changes...what's the inside story?

[SeanTK]

I've been reading up on some general airline news for different regions of the world, and have noticed that a lot of rather significant changes (as far as I can tell) are set to occur this year in New Zealand.

It sounds like the 1900s are going away completely, as well as the fact that ANZ is dropping a number of domestic routes?

Additionally, I'm hearing about a new startup, outlined here that may be trying to take over for this apparent reduction in domestic infrastructure:
http://kiwiregionalairlines.co.nz/

Also, is the "All Blacks" theme the new standard livery to be applied to all aircraft? Are they really doing away with the green/blue completely?

Any inside news on the overall civil aviation situation in the country?

[NZ255]

Not sure if it's the same source as you but I watch the airside tv nz aviation podcast.
They're saying the same, dash 8's are being replaced by new atr's, Hamilton man is starting up Kiwi Air again.

Would be keen to here from people in the know.

[Ian Warren]

Funny thinking about it , when all these little airlines really made a profit twenty/thirty so years ago Air New Zealand in sense jumped in and overwhelmed these small but doing a community a service .. Classic example was SPANZ in the 1960s , couple of wartime DC-3 transport boys, pilots started it up and really created tourism air travel .. Now ANZ figures, that's not right, well get with us or go.

Typical of the NZ Government and once these small airline companies get things cracking .. be another OIY , you join with us and we, or will wipe you out, very well known here.

[Ian Warren]

Hamilton man is starting up Kiwi Air again.

The ole mayor off Hamilton, Ewen Wilson going to give it another crack , Good on him .... some off the story's I believe and these from engineering boys, the dirty plays from then old ANZ.

[Naki]

The 1900s are been phased out and Eagle Air will be no more. 3 airports will loose their Air NZ service including Westport, Kaitaia and Whakatane. Other provincial towns will loose some other routes like Taupo to Wellington. The 1900s were uneconomical to operate and there no practical replacement available. Most of the 1900 routes will be replaced by q300s whilst some the q300s will be replaced by ATRs. As a result Air NZ have ordered 4 more ATRs. The route abandoned have been picked up by Air Chathams (Whakatane - Metros and CV
580s (!)). Kaitaia by Great Barrier Airline ( Caravan) and Westport by
Sounds Air (PC 12).

Air Chathams may also operate a DC 3 to Whakatane in the weekends for enthusiasts-be keen to try this.

Kiwi Regional is a proposed airline by the former founder of Kiwi International and are planning to take on routes not services by Air NZ between provincial cities with Saab 340s. I have my doubts whether this will "take off".

Overall Air NZ are doing well with record profits. They have a number of aircraft on order including A320 & 321 Neos and 787-9s. Other airlines can struggle, although some find their niche and doing quite well like Sounds Air and Air Chathams.

The new standard Air NZ scheme is the black and white fern/koru scheme with the blue scheme been phased out. The All Black scheme were one offs ( for each type - no Q300 though for some reason).