New Plymouth Airport Surveys Passengers for Expanded Routes

Passengers departing from New Plymouth Airport will soon have the opportunity to provide feedback on their travel preferences through a comprehensive survey. Over the next six weeks, a total of 16 questions will be posed to travelers regarding their demand for domestic routes beyond the airport’s current three destinations: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

The initiative aims to gather up-to-date data about passenger demographics, travel motivations, and satisfaction with airport facilities. According to David Scott, Chief Executive of New Plymouth Airport, much of the existing information is outdated or based on anecdotal evidence. He stated, “This survey closes that gap and gives us robust, current information to support discussions with airlines, council, and other stakeholders.”

Current Routes and Regional Insights

At present, Air New Zealand operates daily flights connecting New Plymouth with Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Previous attempts to introduce additional routes to Nelson and Hamilton by regional airlines have not been sustainable. Scott noted that early feedback from passengers indicates a desire for enhanced connectivity to Christchurch, improved flight frequencies to Wellington for same-day business travel, and the exploration of potential niche or seasonal routes, provided they are commercially viable.

In March, Air New Zealand reduced capacity on the New Plymouth-Christchurch route, cutting three weekly flights and changing flight times to midday. This decision arose due to a decline in demand and necessary aircraft maintenance. Seasonal routes are not new for the airline, which has increased domestic flights during summer to popular destinations such as Bay of Plenty, Napier, Nelson, and Queenstown.

Building a Comprehensive Passenger Profile

The main goal of the survey extends beyond simply adding new destinations. Scott emphasized the importance of understanding who utilizes the airport. The survey will inquire about passengers’ starting points, trip durations, travel purposes, overall satisfaction, and desired improvements. By surveying all departing passengers, the airport aims to achieve a representative sample that reflects diverse needs and behaviors.

The results of the survey are expected to be compiled by the end of January 2024. These findings will inform discussions regarding future development, commercial planning, pricing strategies, and infrastructure investment at the airport. Scott believes that having solid demand data will significantly enhance conversations with airlines and stakeholders about expanding the airport’s routes.

Historically, New Plymouth Airport has hosted various airlines offering routes to destinations beyond the major urban centers. Origin Pacific Airways previously operated flights to Nelson before ceasing operations in 2006. Originair resumed flights to Nelson in 2017, while the regional airline Sunair ran services to Hamilton until 2013. Additionally, Jetstar had flights connecting New Plymouth to Auckland, but discontinued service in early 2020 due to insufficient demand.

As the survey progresses, New Plymouth Airport seeks to gather insights that will help shape its future. By understanding passenger needs and preferences, the airport can align its services with market demands and enhance the overall travel experience.