Air New Zealand hikes fares as fuel costs rise

WELLINGTON: Air New Zealand said Tuesday it was lifting air fares by an average three percent to offset the rising price of aviation fuel.

An airline spokeswoman said the increase took effect on domestic, Pacific and trans-Tasman routes on Monday and would be introduced on all other international flights from February 21.

She said Air New Zealand did not have a separate fuel surcharge, unlike some of its international competitors.

Shares in the airline were up 0.72 percent at NZ$1.40 ($1.06) in early trade on an overall market up 0.1 percent.