Air New Zealand announces purchase of 15 new aircraft as regional competition hots up

Air New Zealand announces purchase of 15 new aircraft as regional competition hots up
Fiona Rotherham
By Fiona Rotherham Nov. 5 (BusinessDesk) -   Air New Zealand is purchasing 15 new ATR72-600 aircraft worth a total US$375 million as regional competition hots up.   Chief executive Christopher Luxon announced the new aircraft at a press conference in Auckland, attended by Prime Minister John Key. Eleven of the new aircraft will replace the airline’s ageing 72-500 fleet while the remaining four will allow for growth on regional routes on which Air New Zealand is facing fresh competition from Qantas offshoot, Jetstar. Air New Zeala...