20 Dec 2012

Air NZ says last month's patronage steady

7:55 am on 20 December 2012

Air New Zealand says its patronage remained steady last month.

The listed national carrier says the number of passengers rose 0.1% to 1 million in November, led by domestic travellers.

Demand on trans-Tasman routes rose, as did patronage on its long haul flights led by passengers from North America and London.

Air New Zealand increased its capacity on most routes and planes were 81% full.

Air fares fell, which the airline says is due to cheaper tickets on short haul flights to stimulate demand, while the high New Zealand dollar meant returns fell despite putting up prices on long haul routes.