New $59 standby airfares being trialled

12:15 pm on 11 June 2011

New standby airfares to and from Christchurch are being trialled to give earthquake-weary Cantabrians last-minute bargain flights.

The $59 one-way fares can be used by Air New Zealand airpoints members at off-peak times during the day.

The airline says domestic bookings to and from Christchurch are almost back to pre-quake levels and the standby fares will give an extra boost to the local economy.

The general manager for Australasia, Bruce Parton, says tickets need to be purchased at the airport on the day of the flight.

Blackout periods will be put in place on peak travel days or when there is a popular event on, such as a Rugby World Cup game.