It now seems that the CEO of Jetstar, Bruce Buchanan, is urging the New Zealand and Australian government to drop emigration checks and passenger charges to help simplify trans Tasman travel. By dropping the checks at one side of the Tasman, passengers would be able to save as much as $94 on a return fare.

Jetstar and three other airlines are all in support of this move. Mr Buchana believes that this motion is now at a standstill with officials, which is bad news. This change would see passenger numbers rise by up to 13 percent. This would, of course, boost Australia and New Zealand’s GDP by up to $454 million.

Qantas spokesperson, Olivia Wirth, said that this proposal has been a longstanding point of discussion between trans Trasman airlines. However, right now contenders argue that this proposed change would pose too many risks to logistics and security.

The Customs Minister, Maurice Williamson, said that this proposal is a nice concept and all, but it would be extremely difficult and costly to implement. This is because there would need to be a very big amount of alignment between the two countries and their systems. This would have to be done to ensure all bio security and emigration risks can be identified and managed.

David Stone, who is an independent aviation writer, said that many travelers would welcome having flights across the Tasman made more like domestic flights. However, it would appear that right now these hurdles are just too high to overcome. Emigration and bio security are the two main issues that are obstacles to having a controlled border. However, just about anyone would welcome a simpler process.