New Plymouth Airport Surveys Passengers for Future Routes

Passengers departing from New Plymouth Airport will be surveyed over the next six weeks to assess the demand for additional domestic routes. This 16-question survey aims to gather current, robust data regarding passenger origins, travel purposes, and satisfaction with the airport’s facilities.

David Scott, the airport’s chief executive, emphasized the importance of this survey in updating outdated information and correcting assumptions. “This survey closes that gap and gives us robust, current information to support discussions with airlines, council and other stakeholders,” he stated.

Currently, Air New Zealand operates daily flights from New Plymouth to three main destinations: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Previous attempts to establish routes to Nelson and Hamilton by regional airlines have not been successful. Early feedback from the survey indicates a desire for improved connectivity to Christchurch, more frequent flights to Wellington for business travelers, and the potential for niche or seasonal routes, provided they are commercially viable.

In March, Air New Zealand reduced capacity on the New Plymouth to Christchurch route, eliminating three weekly flights and shifting to midday schedules due to declining demand and aircraft maintenance issues. Seasonal routes are not unfamiliar territory for the airline, which has previously increased summer domestic flights to popular destinations such as Bay of Plenty, Napier, Nelson, and Queenstown.

Scott noted that having solid demand data is crucial for expanding the airport’s offerings. “Having a solid demand data significantly strengthens those conversations,” he remarked, underscoring the significance of the survey results.

New Plymouth Airport has a history of supporting airlines that have offered routes beyond major centers. Origin Pacific Airways previously operated flights to Nelson before ceasing operations in 2006. Originair re-established flights to Nelson in 2017, and regional airline Sunair previously flew to Hamilton in 2013, although both routes ultimately ceased operations. Additionally, Jetstar had provided services to Auckland but withdrew its service in early 2020 due to insufficient demand.

Beyond exploring new destinations, the survey aims to provide clarity on the demographics of airport users. Scott explained, “This includes where passengers start their journey, how long they stay away, purpose of travel, satisfaction with the airport and what they would like to see improved.”

By surveying all departing passengers, the airport seeks a representative sample rather than results skewed towards any one group, which allows for a better understanding of varying needs and behaviors across different segments. Results from the survey are expected to be compiled by the end of January 2024 and will inform discussions concerning development, commercial planning, pricing, and future infrastructure investments at New Plymouth Airport.