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Frequently Asked Questions about the new route to Auckland

Everything you need to know about the new Virgin Australia service to Auckland.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the new route to Auckland


We've put together a list of frequently asked questions about the new Virgin Australia service to Auckland, New Zealand. If you think we've missed a question, please let us know in the comments section below. 

To book your flights head to nzcloseaz.com.au

1. When will the first flight to Auckland be?
Thursday, 22 November 2018

2. How often will there be flights to Auckland?
Flights to Auckland will operate from Newcastle three times per week, effective 22 November.
 

Route

Flight Number

Dep/Arr

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

AKL-NTL

VA198

1710/1845

NTL-AKL

VA199

1930/0025


3. How long will the flight take?
Between 3-4 hours depending on direction.

4. What will the fares be?
There is a range of different fares available to suit all travellers’ needs, flexibility and budgets.

5. When are tickets on sale?
Tickets are on sale now. To book flights visit nzcloseaz.com.au, contact your travel agent or use your favourite booking website.

6. Why should I visit Auckland? What is there to do there?
Auckland is the perfect short break destination, with incredible natural wonders on the doorstep of a world-class city. It offers something for everyone and caters as much for family holidays as it does for romantic getaways.  


  • The Bay of Islands and Waiheke Island offers stunning beaches
  • There’s bungee jumping and canyoning or sailing on the Waitemata Harbour for the adventurous
  • Dormant volcanoes for hiking
  • A great food and wine scene as well as a number of markets such as La Cigale for fresh local produce
  • Maori heritage walks to explore the city’s history
  • Lastly, there is also Hobbiton, the film set used in the Lord of the Rings movies! 

7. Is this a permanent route?
No, this is a seasonal route for 13 weeks over the summer period, 22 November 2018 – 17 February 2019.

8. What is a seasonal route?
A seasonal route operates for a specific amount of time to cater to market needs. The airline commits to the delivery of the service for this period and, if deemed commercially viable by the airline, the service is often repeated annually. Other examples of seasonal flights include Sydney to Vancouver, Melbourne to Vancouver, Perth to Christchurch, Seoul to Cairns, Melbourne to Osaka.

9. Why is Auckland only a seasonal route?
The 13 week service between Newcastle and Auckland is being offered across the peak holiday period of November – February. Like all new products, you need to test the market. If demand is strong, there is a case for Newcastle Airport and Virgin Australia to discuss the feasibility of the route becoming a year round service. For this to happen though, we need the support of our community and region. We need travellers to support the service by going smarter from their local Airport.

10. What happens if I book a ticket to Auckland on 17 February but want to fly back to Newcastle after the season has ended?
You would need to book a non-direct flight home.

11. Will this become a permanent route?
It is up to Virgin Australia to decide this. However, if it is commercially viable and there is ongoing demand, there is a chance this could become permanent. Virgin Australia has recognised a need for direct flights to Auckland from the Hunter region and will continue to assess ongoing demand and viability for the route. You can help by always travelling to and from Newcastle when possible. Demonstrated demand helps to show airlines the scale of opportunity.

12. What type of plane will fly this route?
Boeing 737-800, seating 176 passengers

13. Do I have a choice of classes on-board?
Yes. Virgin offers economy and business classes.

14. Is there in-flight service?
Yes, inflight-service is provided in some ticket prices.

15. How much luggage can I take?
Passengers should check this with Virgin Australia prior to flying.

16. Can I make group bookings?
Yes, please contact Virgin directly for group bookings.

17. What is the airline safety rating?
Virgin Australia are the operator of the aircraft and operate under a CASA approved Regular Passenger Transport Air Operators Certificate with full CASA approved Carriers Liability Insurance.

18. Why has it taken so long to get international flights?
Airlines decide on new routes based on market demand and commercial viability. Whilst Newcastle Airport works hard and proactively pitches new routes to airlines, it is up to the airlines to decide the routes for their aircraft. Securing new routes – both international and domestic – is a complex and competitive process. Ultimately, airlines decide where they fly their planes, and that decision is based on demand and driving return on these valuable assets.

19. When will we get the next international routes from Newcastle?
Airlines will be watching to assess the success for this new international route.

 We hope that with the people of the Hunter using this new route, other airlines will favourably view the market and will in turn, provide other opportunities for the region. Demonstrated demand helps to show airlines the scale of opportunity. You can help by always travelling to and from Newcastle when possible. Choose Newcastle Airport as your point A when you travel whether it be domestic, direct to New Zealand or hubbing international through Brisbane or Melbourne. We need you to show the airlines that we want to go smarter and fly from our local airport. We have a great video, which shows how to attract more flights from airlines: click here to watch video 

20. Are you trying to secure other international destinations?
Absolutely! Our Auckland seasonal route is a big step for us and we are excited about future opportunities. The Airport is working with a number of airport partners on business cases for additional services and new destinations routes.

21. What other destinations are you working on?
Domestically, we have listened to your comments and have focused on new services into South Australia. We continue to work on additional destinations into Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia. Internationally our focus is on other short-haul international destinations similar to New Zealand, such as the Pacific Islands and Indonesia.
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David Nye is an aviation consultant with more than 25-years aviation experience. He's well-known for his travel hacks and for always planning his next adventure. He's also is a keen motor sports follower. Follow David on Twitter: @davidknye

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An avid traveller, Kaitlyn travelled the globe while she studied marketing and management in France. With a background in PR and penchant for social media, Kaitlyn worked as part of the airport team for four years putting her airport experience to work beyond the boarding gate.

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Marcus Lancaster has worked with Newcastle Airport for nine years, holding three different positions during this time. Marcus completed a Bachelor of Aviation Management at the University of Newcastle in 2006 and is also a reservist with the Australian Air Force; where he works as an Operations Officer for an F/A 18 Squadron at Williamtown RAAF base.

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Paul Hughes was the CEO of Newcastle Airport from 2005 to 2015. Paul has a background in accountancy and local government senior management. 

He is passionate about the Hunter region and believes Newcastle Airport is critical to the region achieving its true potential.

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Suzanne is an British ex-pat who calls Australia home and has been with the Airport team since 2011. She describes herself as an accountant who scuba dives and bakes and confesses to trying to work out a way to combine all three.

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Ashlee is Newcastle Airport’s Receptionist. She's a lover of snowboarding, Zumba, yoga and enjoys an eclectic mix of music.She has a goal to snowboard her way around the world, already ticking off her list Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan.
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Kahli Brooks is a self-confessed shopaholic who has worked at Newcastle Airport for five years. Kahli is a fan of sunshine getaways, is an avid collector of Samantha Wills jewellery, is a little a bit obsessed with pugs, and has a contagious smile
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Peter Cock is CEO of Newcastle Airport. He has extensive aviation-industry experience working both for airports and as an industry consultant. He holds a PhD is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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Comments
Brendon caukwell
27-Jul-2018 06:45 PM
This is the best news for Newcastle I hope everyone uses this service to Auckland so it can become a permanent thing I will be using it myself as I love going back to Auckland as much as I can having coming form New Zealand back in 1984 and living here in Newcastle my two favourite places
Brendon caukwell
27-Jul-2018 06:45 PM
This is the best news for Newcastle I hope everyone uses this service to Auckland so it can become a permanent thing I will be using it myself as I love going back to Auckland as much as I can having coming form New Zealand back in 1984 and living here in Newcastle my two favourite places
Leave a comment
 

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