Tasman and Pacific Island services will continue to operate - Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is reassuring customers that Tasman and Pacific Island services will continue to operate during the four-day strike by Zeal EPMU members which begins Thursday and runs through Mother’s Day weekend.

Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Bruce Parton says the airline has comprehensive plans in place to ensure schedules are maintained and the 20,000 customers travelling over this period are unaffected by strike action. Zeal 320 Ltd has issued lock-out notices to Zeal EMPU members in response to their strike notice.

Over the four-day period, some services will operate using different Air New Zealand aircraft, including the Boeing 767, 777 and 747s.

Mr Parton says the airline is confident that passengers will continue to receive a high quality of service and uniquely Kiwi experience when travelling with Air New Zealand over the strike period.

"We have approximately 100 staff trained to act as alternative crew and they will be assisted by colleagues from throughout the business, including myself, Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe, members of our management team, corporate and operational staff. We are looking forward to seeing our customers online, as we do regularly.

Mr Parton says the airline has been overwhelmed by support from Air New Zealanders volunteering their support over the strike period. “We have had more staff than the entire number of Zeal employees put their hands up to help out.”

The EPMU has walked away from pay offers from Zeal of several thousand dollars for members including a base pay increase of nearly 4% and allowance increases of almost 8%.

Mr Parton said Air New Zealand would continue to work with the EMPU to try and reach a satisfactory settlement.