The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomes the announcement from Air New Zealand that it intends to reconfigure its Tasman and Pacific Island products.

"We understand that this based on Air New Zealand's current schedule of services, this could add around 10% in capacity on the Tasman for Wellington," said Chamber CEO, Charles Finny.

"Increased capacity and reduced fares for both Tasman and Pacific Island flights would provide an opportunity to increase the numbers of visitors to Wellington giving a boost to the region's economy - not least the tourism industry.

"Australia is an increasingly important market for Wellington and a boost in trans-Tasman capacity and reduced fares would be well timed in light of Positively Wellington Tourism's new Australian marketing campaign and the growing economy across the ditch.

"It would also increase Wellington businesses and other travellers' capacity to make international connections. Local suppliers of services to the airline could also benefit from increased passenger numbers.

"Improved transportation links are crucial to the growth of the Wellington and New Zealand economies", Mr Finny concluded.