Airlines band together to fight airport charges

AIRLINES are stepping up their fight against airport charges, with a new Australasian group flexing its muscles.

Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) chiefs are scheduled to meet airport representatives, government departments and ministers later this month to press their case.

The group represents airlines operating on either side of the Tasman. It includes Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Tigerair. Its chairman, Prof Graeme Samuel, said airports were using their monopoly positions to effectively charge what they liked.

‘‘Aeronautical charges are simply imposed and it’s very difficult to negotiate otherwise. It is essentially because airports are monopolies.

‘‘My take is that New Zealand has an even lighter regulatory regime than we do in Australia. Airlines are very conscious of every aspect of the consumer experience, from the moment they leave home to the airport, through checkin and through the retail area and to land at the other end, is affected by airport charges.’’

Airport charges can be the biggest component of airfares, particularly during the low season when airlines struggle to fill planes, so have to drop prices.

Industry data revealed last week shows airport charges on return flights on Air New Zealand can range up to $201 on the popular Tasman routes and up to $216 to Fiji.

Samuel said passengers paid for high charges at every step of their journey, including car park charges, surcharges for taxis and retail goods.

But Auckland Airport says its prices are reasonable. Chief financial officer Phil Neutze said new aeronautical prices for the 201822 financial years were the result of a yearlong consultation process with airlines. — NZME