Air New Zealand also lifted fares to Australia and the appeasing Islands by a similar amount late last year. Back then, domestic tickets between the main centres rose as much as 17 per cent in the wake of budget airline Pacific Blue leaving the market. Several international airlines, including Qantas, have announced fare increases lately to recompense for the rising cost of fuel. House of Travel retail director Brent Thomas stated that the relatively modest increases would not impact on demand for travel. He also added that the airlines certainly haven't made a lot of money over the last few years and this will be a chance to make sure they are covering their costs, but hopefully that is not going to discourage people from traveling.