Air New Zealand says possible strike expected to affect 14,000 travellers

Airline Industry Information, July 14, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Air New Zealand has said that almost one in three of its international flights will be cancelled if the airline's long-haul cabin crew goes on strike.

The airline has reportedly said that for six days, starting from 18 July, around 30% of its international flights could be cancelled if the strike is carried out. The strike would include about 1,000 staff members and affect 15-20 flights every day. The strike by some 80% of the staff is threatened as a result of the breakdown of contract talks.

The airline's General Manager International, Ed Sims, has said that a contingency plan for the duration of the strike would need to deal with the travel arrangements of around 14,000 New Zealand and overseas customers, The Associated Press reported.

If there is a strike, services to Asian destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Nagoya and Kansai, are likely to be most affected, while some Boeing 747 and 767 services to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, and services to through Pacific nations to Los Angeles, USA, will also be affected.

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