Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe has suggested that the Wellington government should work with Air New Zealand to attract more tourists to the city, rather than pursue a “high-risk” direct air link with Asia.

The city’s tourism authority and international airport want an airline to provide a direct long-haul service.

But Fyfe disputes the viability of the proposal and doubts that any of the major Asian airlines flying to Auckland or Christchurch would add Wellington as a destination.

Passengers would also be reluctant to spread their flights over two airlines as it would take them longer to earn frequent flyer rewards, Fyfe said.

Note: We always like it when the airline CEO acknowledges the impact of frequent flyer programs, even when addressing a topic involving “tourists.”