Air NZ again increases fares

WELLINGTON, Mar 11 (AFP): Air New Zealand has said it is increasing domestic and international fares for the second time in a month to offset the rising price of aviation fuel. The airline said domestic and long-haul fares would rise seven per cent from March 18, while ticket prices to Australia and the Pacific islands would increase eight per cent. "Over the past month, jet fuel has increased from US$114 per barrel to US$130 per barrel, adding almost US$10 million per month to the airline's operating costs," it said in a statement to the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Air New Zealand, which does not have a separate fuel surcharge like some of its international competitors, increased fares by three per cent on February 21.