Whatever happened to Trans-Tasman flights going 'domestic'?

[tuapekastar]

Australia to New Zealand flights | Trans-Tasman fizzer

I must admit I’m quite naive sometimes: I took politicians at their word in 2009 when they promised revolutionary changes to air travel between Australia and New Zealand that would slash trans-Tasman airfares by around 30 per cent, triggering a huge increase in the number of people travelling between the two countries.

I recall this proposal from a few years back. Honestly not too fussed if it doesn't happen (if DF purchases and Flounge sessions are at risk :shock

 

[serfty]

As I posted long ago in the dedicated thread to that topic, the federal government is unlikely to throw away the considerable departure tax income being generated - as of this month it is up to $55 for each departure and to be indexed with inflation going forward.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[beardoc]

Whilst we appreciate the F Lounge visits, it would be better for the general population if the International Passenger Movement Charges were lifted, so it's disappointing that they're not doing this. Overall it would be better if they did this.

 

[Deleted member]

The fact is the international traffic is a cash cow between NZ and oz.
I recall the days. When a passport wasn't needed for kiwis and Aussies crossing the ditch.
Reading the article did remind me of the original hype around this , but I too had quite forgotten about it .
With the federal budget in crisis mode ( in spite of what swan says) I can't see changes any time soon


It is I, Leclerc !

 

[serfty]

The fact is the international traffic is a cash cow between NZ and oz. ...

It certainly is.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rans-tasman-routes-become-domestic-16516.html

Currently, both AirNZ and Qantas are selling AKL-MEL/SYD-AKL for as low NZD405 all up.

This is composed of NZD264 in actual fare and

's of 141. AU makes up NZD60 and NZ NZD27, totalling over ½ the

.

I still can't see both:

• The fares staying at that level and
• The Oz/NZ authorities giving up NZD87 in revenue.

(In reality, I still can't see the Oz Federal government giving up ~AUD115,000,000 in annual revenue.)

I think the article linked by Mwenenzi in post #57 is still relevant.

David Stone: Borderless Tasman still far away - International Travel - NZ Herald News

Some may find this document interesting: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/nz_cer/subs/sub13.pdf (see last page)


Thinking about this I can't see the AU tax being dropped (nor the NZ one either).

In 2004, ~2.5Million passengers flew from Oz to NZ (and ~2.4Million the other way). This made up ¼ of the total departure tax received that year!

I can't see the Australian Federal government giving up over $115Million in revenue.

With a $55 departure tax, that 2½M Pax would generate revenue of nearly $140M - aint gunna happen!

 

[Mwenenzi]

From that NZ Herald 2009 article

..Financial considerations aside, biosecurity and immigration remain significant obstacles today. In particular, whereas New Zealand has visa-free arrangements with 57 countries, Australia requires a visa from all visitors except New Zealand passport-holder..

A considerable number of NZ passport holders coming into Aust permanently were not born in NZ. NZ passport is a an easy way to get entry to Aust

 

[harvyk]

As I pointed out back then, unlike in Europe, where it's now possible to duck over to the country next door for 10 minutes, NZ is a minimum 3 hour plane flight. 10 minutes extra at immi each end will not make a huge difference.

The people who first put forwards this proposal felt that getting rid of immi at each end would increase TT business. They completely forgot the 3 hour plane ride was the thing stopping AU's / NZ's for popping over the ditch for a couple of hours, not that you had to smile for an immi officer (and these days with smart gate at each end, you don't even need to do that)

 

[Mal]

(and these days with smart gate at each end, you don't even need to do that)

I suspect that Smartgate has mitigated the need somewhat. Really it's express immigration for Australians and New Zealand passport holders - without the issues of 3rd country entry.

 

[chrisb]

I imagine the tight quarantine at both ends presents a sticking point in trying to make this happen too.

If you decide you have to keep quarantine and have smart gate there's limited benefit in removing the immigration portion.

 

[samh004]

From that NZ Herald 2009 article
A considerable number of NZ passport holders coming into Aust permanently were not born in NZ. NZ passport is a an easy way to get entry to Aust

So the boat people need to sail a little further?

 

[medhead]

So the boat people need to sail a little further?

Without needing a visa they can probably just fly to NZ. One reason that people get boats to Australia is because they can't legally fly in and apply for asylum. Obtaining a visa requires a declaration that you won't claim asylum. Airlines wont let you fly without a visa.


Sent from the Throne

 

[harvyk]

I imagine the tight quarantine at both ends presents a sticking point in trying to make this happen too.

If you decide you have to keep quarantine and have smart gate there's limited benefit in removing the immigration portion.

Inside AU there is dom quarantine as well, just knowing that Vic, SA and WA have some pretty tight regulations (to the point that they stop cars at borders, speaking from experience in both VIC and SA), and yet there is an honesty system for flights. I almost wonder if the honesty system could be adopted for TT flights as a way of getting around quarantine issues (with random inspections by dogs, like they already do for dom).

Not that I'm for the proposal (and I'm happy that it never got off the ground), but I'm sure someone somewhere may have thought about this problem.

 

[whatmeworry]

So the boat people need to sail a little further?

Australia and NZ both have large populations of foreign students who for the majority the main goal is not the qualification but rather gaining residence at the end. After recently completing my Masters, I was shocked that it cost most of the international students 20k a year just for tuition! So I guess NZ would probably be a cheaper option for some students.

 

[yohy?!]

Australia and NZ both have large populations of foreign students who for the majority the main goal is not the qualification but rather gaining residence at the end.

Not sure there's a "majority" considering that the previous skilled immigration "gates" are effectively closed now... Being the second biggest export industry, tertiary education is popular because Australian unis have a high standard globally and it is possible to secure a place if you have the cash.

 

[whatmeworry]

I think the problem previously was the dodgy "colleges" offering such courses as cookery. However even amongst Masters students PR was always a talking point, the course I did was actually shutdown after I completed my studies because PR rules were changed which subsequently led to a massive fall in student numbers. I am aware that the Tertiary sector is a big money earner, especially in Victoria.

 

[Berlin]

Gosh- glad to hear this! It never would have made sense to me (and I assume for some others here as well): Who cares about the added tax if you get to the QF First lounge in return AND can buy two bottles of cheap Duty Free booze on the way back? I fly over to Auckland just for the weekend quite regularly and would NEVER consider going there that often if it wasn't for these benefits.

 

[oz_mark]

I wouldn't say nothing is happening. Consultants are still being paid good money to investigate this.

Example: http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/nltts/working-grps/GHDTasmanProject.pdf

 

[nickykim]

In the last twelve months I've flown Melbourne to Auckland for a three day weekend a number of times (to see my aged mother), most recently with carry on only. I see an increasing number of travellers who seem to be doing the same thing. With carry on only, the greatest amount of time is the longer check ins and the walk down to customs. Mostly at both ends I was cleared without any quarantine or customs requirements.

Nicky Kim

 

[Deleted member]

Gosh- glad to hear this! It never would have made sense to me (and I assume for some others here as well): Who cares about the added tax if you get to the QF First lounge in return AND can buy two bottles of cheap Duty Free booze on the way back? I fly over to Auckland just for the weekend quite regularly and would NEVER consider going there that often if it wasn't for these benefits.

Wash your mouth out. Plenty of good reasons to go,to AKL. Nice restaurants, great weather ( well that may be exaggerating) and lovely scenery. And besides cheaper $ cost than staying home.


It is I, Leclerc !

 

[Berlin]

Wash your mouth out. Plenty of good reasons to go,to AKL.

Did I say anything against going to Auckland? I love New Zealand, got there all the time. All I said I would never go THAT often if it wasn't for all the extra benefits of international travel coming on top of it.

You forgot one important factor in my eyes: The Kiwis. Such lovely people- alone a reason to travel over from time to time!