NEW ZEALAND visitors and of course nationals will be pleased to learn that Air New Zealand Link carrier Air Nelson is to replace its current fleet of 17 Saab 340A aircraft with a like number of Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 turbo-props. The delivery of the first new aircraft is expected in July 2005 with one joining the fleet every six weeks, completing the delivery process within two years. The new aircraft are much quieter internally, 20 knots quicker in the cruise and offering 50 seats instead of 30. Passengers will find them far more comfortable. Air Nelson links the regional centres of Nelson, Napier, Palmerston North and New Plymouth, with the main city centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The airline also operates some of the Air New Zealand Link services to and from Rotorua, Tauranga and Hamilton. In another move Singapore Airlines has sold its shareholding in Air New Zealand at a substantial loss. SIA first acquired a stake in 2000 but after the New Zealand government vetoed plans for a 49% shareholding the airline quickly lost interest. It has now raised its holding in Qantas from 1% to 3%?
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