Trans-Tasman travel will be a win:win for Kiwis and Aussies

Re-establishing trans-Tasman travel as soon as it is safe is vital to help restart the New Zealand economy says a group of core aviation service providers.

The New Zealand Aviation Coalition (NZAC) says it is working closely with the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum’s (ANZLF) ‘trans-Tasman Safe Border Group’. NZAC comprises of New Zealand airports and airlines.

NZAC chair Justin Tighe-Umbers says a Trans-Tasman bubble makes total sense. “Both countries are leading the world in responding to COVID-19, and we can also lead the world in developing safe borders for international travel.  Opening up travel between New Zealand and Australia will deliver huge benefits to both economies, and allow friends and families to reconnect.”

40% of international visitors come from Australia, bringing $3 billion(NZD) of tourism spend each year, helping to support over 230,000 jobs directly employed in tourism.

“Today’s announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shows now is the right time to start working on safe travel between our two countries. People are ready to travel and flying under level 2 shouldn’t be considered any riskier than going to a restaurant or bar under Level 2,” he says.

Mr Tighe-Umbers says it is important to remember that aircraft have still been flying people into and around New Zealand during Alert Levels 3 and 4. This period of essential travel  provided a good opportunity to review existing health and safety systems and protocols at airports and on aircraft.

“It’s natural that after the lockdown environment some people may have concerns about travelling safely by air. Alongside the work of the safe border group, NZAC will be helping to explain to New Zealanders why they can have confidence in the safe reopening of our borders to Australia – and how both countries can minimise risk by using health technology and systems.”

For more information contact

Justin Tighe-Umbers
New Zealand Aviation Coalition chair
Tel:  027 268 4053

Media requests:

Felicity Anderson
Tel: 021 22 40 520
Email: felicity@triocommunciations.co.nz