Air New Zealand has dumped a cheap regional last-minute flight offering, citing low demand.
A Herald reader said the Regional Gotta Go product had significantly helped the regions access reduced-cost travel.
He said Regional Gotta Go fares had also been helpful for students.
The airline told him there was no plan for Regional Gotta Go fares to be reinstated.
Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson cited low demand.
“We know affordable air connectivity is important for regional communities, and we will continue to offer a range of fares across our network, including deals through Grabaseat.”
Wilkinson added: “For customers who need to travel at short notice due to bereavement or critical illness, compassionate fares remain available.”
Compassionate fares could apply to people flying within 48 hours of a family member’s medical crisis or seven days of a family bereavement.
The Regional Gotta Go scheme was announced in 2014 and took effect in February 2015.
It enabled customers to get a fare 90 minutes before departure at a fixed price of $169 for a one-way flight, or $249 for two or more one-way flights.
The deal depended on seats being available.
Flights directly between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown were excluded.
But the scheme included flights from those centres to regional towns.
The airline at that time said the product was aimed at leisure travellers, especially customers with the flexibility to fly at off-peak times.
Air New Zealand last week said it would cut more flights from late July to late October because of volatile jet fuel prices.
The schedule adjustments would be across the domestic and international network.
The airline has also been undertaking what it called a “reset” after posting a $40 million loss after tax in the first half of the current financial year.
John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
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