Airlines join to take on airport fees

Air New Zealand is teaming up with rival airlines to form a transtasman lobby group to tackle – among other things – the fees and facilities at the airports they use.

Qantas Airways, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Tigerair Australia and Regional Express (Rex) will join Air New Zealand as founding members of Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ).

Airport services and charges are high on the agenda, with Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon calling them out as the group was launched.

‘‘Australia and New Zealand must compete for visitors on the world stage against many other attractive destinations,’’ he said.

‘‘To be competitive we must continue to improve cost and quality in all parts of the travel experience but we are constrained by a legacy of under-investment and over-recovery at key airports. A4ANZ will add its voice to that ambition.’’

Qantas boss Alan Joyce echoed the sentiment, saying: ‘‘Airport fees and charges continue to increase while airlines are offering fares at levels significantly cheaper than they were over a decade ago. A4ANZ’S goal is to achieve regulatory reform that will promote a competitive and sustainable airline industry in the interests of Australian and New Zealand travellers.’’

In New Zealand, airports consult airlines on landing fees every five years. While the charges are a big cost for the airlines, they only make up a small part of the passenger ticket price.

Graeme Samuel, the former chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has been appointed to lead a board made up of a representative from each member airline. He has 40 years of leadership experience in public service, law and investment banking.

A chief executive will be appointed in coming months.

Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti said: ‘‘Aviation is one of the greatest enablers of tourism, trade and economic growth in our region, so it’s absolutely critical that airports operate efficiently and that investment in infrastructure benefits travellers.’’

A4ANZ will stand apart from airline lobby group the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand, of which all airlines flying to and within New Zealand are members.

The A4ANZ group was announced overnight and airports have not yet had a chance to comment.

Virgin and Air New Zealand currently work together on flights and rewards on trans-tasman routes. Qantas has a global alliance with Emirates.