Qantas adds new B737-800 on trans-Tasman routes
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Qantas has put a new Boeing 737-800 aircraft into service and announced it will be named in honour of Sir Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand mountaineer and explorer.
A further two new aircraft will join the fleet this month and will be officially named in honour of Abel Tasman, who was the first European to discover the south island of New Zealand, and William Pickering, a New Zealander who made a significant contribution to space exploration.
Qantas’s Regional General Manager for New Zealand, Grant Lilly, said the new aircraft would operate on the Wellington-Australia route.
“Wellington is an important market for Qantas for both business and leisure travellers and we are delighted to bring our 737-800 product here,” Lilly said.
“These new aircraft will join our 737-800 flagship fleet on trans-Tasman flights and it is a privilege to name this aircraft after such an iconic history maker as Sir Edmund Hillary who pushed the boundaries of human endurance and achievement.
“I’m delighted that Sir Hillary’s son Peter Hillary and first great grandchild Felix have joined us to celebrate and represent the late explorer.”
Lilly added that the new aircraft would feature modern onboard technology along with Marc Newson-designed seating and a state-of-the-art on-demand Panasonic in-flight entertainment.
Wellington International Airport, CEO, Steven Fitzgerald, said; “We are thrilled about the arrival of Qantas’ new 737-800. Qantas has had a long relationship with Wellington dating back to 1961 bringing both tourists and business travellers across the Tasman, and it is great to see the airline continue to improve the service they provide.
“Wellingtonians are choosing to fly direct from their airport in greater numbers than ever before and the availability of services on some of the most modern and advanced aircraft in the world can only add to the attractiveness.”
“We wish Qantas every success and are looking forward to working with them to grow the services offered to the Wellington region.”
The new 737-800 aircraft will offer a 12-seat business class and 156-seat economy class configuration, with Panasonic inflight entertainment in both cabins, seat-to-seat messaging service and PC and USB ports in both business and economy.
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