By VAN DEN BERGH, Roeland AIR New Zealand has shelved a US$300 million (NZ$447 million) plan to replace its fleet of 11 ATR 72-500 regional turboprop aircraft. Instead, the airline will buy seven of the aircraft it now leases in October next year for an undisclosed sum.

Canada-based Porter Airlines has signed a contract with Bombardier Aerospace to acquire two 70-seat Q400 turboprop airliners by converting existing options. These Q400 aircraft are expected to become the 17th and 18th in the airline's fleet.

By NEAL, Tracy Escalating fuel prices, which have forced up the cost of air travel, and a drop in people's spending power are behind a decision to withdraw two aircraft from Air Nelson's national schedule, general manager John Hambleton says.

By PALMER, Harriet THE only sign of a nationwide three- day pilot strike at New Plymouth Airport yesterday was a ghostly terminal and foreign looking plane on the runway.

By MILNE, Amy THE head of Invercargill Airport is doubtful Air New Zealand or Pacific Blue will open new routes out of Invercargill any time soon.