Air New Zealand cuts more flights and capacity on routes

Changes include swapping out larger jets for much smaller twin- engine turboprop planes on some Queenstown and Dunedin flights; this means more than a hundred fewer seats on a flight. In some cases, morning departure times will be later and return flights earlier in the afternoon, compressing any day trips. The Christchurch to New Plymouth route's being reduced by three flights a week. On Monday, Air New Zealand confirmed its ditching direct flights from Invercargill to Wellington from January next year, prompting allegations the national carrier is prioritising profits over its social responsiblity to serve the regions, Air New Zealand's general manager domestic Scott Carr spoke to Lisa Owen.