Air Wellington - Another Paraparaumu Commuter Airline

 

In 1992 Welair Ltd was formed by Richard Bull, Brian Davison, Richard Joel and Richard Baldwin to take over the Paraparaumu based Gold Coast Air Ltd which offered training and charter services.

A couple of Welair's single engine charter and training fleet, above Cessna 182RG Skylane ZK-EKL
and below Cessna 172 ZK-FCW. Both photos taken at Paraparaumu

In June 1996 Richard Baldwin formed his own company, Air Wellington Ltd, and purchased Piper PA31-310 Navajo ZK-WHW. Air Wellington leased this aircraft to Welair but Air Wellington was to be name under which the scheduled air services operated.

Air Wellington's Piper Navajo ZK-WHW taken at Gisborne on 28 September 1998

In the summer of 1996/97 Welair started twice weekly services between Paraparaumu and Nelson using Piper Navajo ZK-WHW. These services ran in the late afternoon/early evening on Fridays and Sundays. In April 1997 Piper PA23-250 Aztec ZK-DUB was added to the fleet and this was also used on the Nelson service.

Nelson Evening Mail, March 1997

Piper Aztec ZK-DUB at Nelson on 2 January 1998

Air Wellington's timetable for the Nelson service effective 16 May 1997

In late July 1997 Welair, trading as Air Wellington, picked up United Aviation’s courier freight run from Palmerston North to Napier and Gisborne after United was grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority. Air Wellington’s managing director Richard Baldwin, told the Kapiti Observer that the company decided instead to use its own aircraft and pilots to continue the service. "The service United provided had a lot of regular customers from Palmerston North and we felt it was unfair to deprive them of that service." 

The first flight was flown on using Piper Navajo ZK-WHW. The service was extended to start and terminate at Paraparaumu with the company offering twice daily weekday flights on the Paraparaumu-Palmerston North-Napier Gisborne service. Richard Baldwin agreed the 6am departure is early but says it allows those getting on at Palmerston North to get in a full days work in Napier or Gisborne. “We can have you in Napier by 7.30am and Gisborne an hour later.” I think that's pretty good timing. A return flight from Paraparaumu to Palmerston North costs $70 and takes 30 minutes each way. "That's about the same price as a return bus trip but who wants to travel on congested roads when you can fly there in half the time. 

Air Wellington timetable effective 1 August 1997

The East Coast courier service necessitated the purchase of a larger aircraft and Piper Chieftain ZK-MCM was purchased from Mount Cook Airlines in August 1997. By November 1997 the Nelson-Paraparaumu service had been extended to three days a week with the addition of a Wednesday flight. These Nelson schedule was adjusted enabling connection with the Palmerston North, Napier and Gisborne service. Connections were also made available at Napier with Sunair flights to and from Hamilton and Tauranga.

Air Wellington's Piper Chieftain ZK-MCM still in its Mount Cook Airline's colour scheme at Paraparaumu on 5 December 1997

Chieftain ZK-MCM repainted at Queenstown on a charter on 12 April 1998

Air Wellington timetable, effective 17 November 1997

A second Piper Aztec, ZK-DIO, was acquired in August 1998.

The Air Wellington services continued until the 19th of February 1999 when the Air Service Certificate, Training Organisation Certificate and Aerial Work Certificate held by Welair were suspended by the Civil Aviation Authority. 

Paraparaumu - Index of Posts

With the news that Air New Zealand is to withdraw its service to Air New Zealand it is timely to remember other operators that have flown regular services from Paraparaumu/Kapiti Coast. Below are links to the posts I have done on these airlines... 

A future project on when Paraparaumu was used while Rongotai Airport at Wellington was being constructed.

This post focuses more on Oamaru but includes Safe Air's early operations from Paraparaumu

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/eggs-can-fly-oamarus-air-freight-service.html

1972-1974

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/rex-air-charter-west-coast-service.html

1991-1998

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2010/05/associated-air-paraparaumus-friendly.html

1991-1992

A future project

1996-1999

https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2018/03/air-wellington-another-paraparaumu.html

2004-Current

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2015/03/air2there-city-hopper-air-service.html

2009-2010

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2012/04/remote-adventures-come-fly-with-jim.html

2010-2012

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2011/02/sunair-still-shining-25-years-on.html

2011-2018

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2018/04/kaput-kapiti-air-service-ends.htmll

2015-Current

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.co.nz/2014/08/sounds-air-fast-scenic-way-to-cross.html

Kapiti Loses Flights - Tauranga Gains Flights

Air New Zealand will increase capacity into and out of Tauranga by adding a new weekday Wellington return flight and operating the larger ATR aircraft on early morning flights to Auckland. The national carrier's extra flight to the capital will start this April, aiming to meet demand during peak business times. The extra flight means there will now be two peak morning flights departing Tauranga before 7.30am. The schedule also sees existing morning flights to Auckland retimed with two peak morning weekday flights for the business community. Both early morning flights will be operated by the airline's68-seat ATR aircraft. Some other evening services into Tauranga from Auckland will also be operated by the larger ATR aircraft. The changes reflect capacity growth on Tauranga services of more than 20 per cent over the winter months compared to the same period last year. The finalised schedule sees a total of 87 return flights from Tauranga to the two cities per week. Tourism Bay of Plenty Chief Executive Officer Kristin Dunne says she is delighted with the extra capacity, with the airport acting as an important gateway for visitors to Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty. “We have been in discussions with Air New Zealand for quite some time to help this become a reality and meet the needs of a growing economy. This is a show of faith from Air New Zealand in recognising the exponential growth this region has experienced – one that is forecast to continue.” Tauranga Airport manager Ray Dumble says greater numbers help to enhance operational efficiency. He adds that Tauranga is one of the fastest-growing airports in New Zealand in terms of arrivals and departures, and that more connectivity will be great for the city. “With the constant migration of families and businesses from the likes of Auckland to here, we are seeing increased demand for flights. This applies especially during peak business times. “I applaud Air New Zealand for addressing this issue by adding more flights and creating a user-friendly schedule - and I have no doubt our business community does too.  “This will only further enhance Tauranga's reputation as a leading airport and destination.” Air New Zealand Regional Affairs Manager Ian Collier says it's terrific to see continued strong demand for services into and out of Tauranga. “We are pleased we have been able to achieve this additional capacity at peak business times on both our Tauranga-Wellington and Tauranga-Auckland routes. This is a result of collaboration between the local chamber, airport, council and Bay of Plenty Tourism, and will be of great benefit to the wider community.” The new schedule will be published progressively.

Source : https://sunlive.co.nz/news/174806-air-nz-adds-more-tauranga-flights.html

Air New Zealand suspends Kapiti Coast service

Air New Zealand is suspending its service between Kapiti Coast and Auckland from April this year. Customer demand for domestic travel continues to experience steady growth with the airline adding 630,000 more seats nationwide this financial year alone and an expectation that it will further grow the regional turboprop network alone by 4.5 percent or 265,000 seats in the coming financial year. Against this backdrop, the airline is currently making domestic schedule adjustments to better match its aircraft seat capacity to areas of growing customer demand and is committed to continuing to grow the wider regional network. Air New Zealand has operated the Kapiti - Auckland service since 2011 and recognises the support the community has given to it. On withdrawal, Air New Zealand will extend support to any other airline that operates the route as it has in other ports. The last service between Kapiti Coast and Auckland will operate on 3 April 2018. Passengers booked to travel on this service past this date will be re-accommodated on alternative services.

Source : Air New Zealand Media Release, 9 March 2018

https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/press-release-2018-air-nz-suspends-kapiti-coast-service

Air New Zealand Withdrawal Huge Loss For Kapiti

The suspension of Air New Zealand flights between Paraparaumu and Auckland will leave a large hole in the region's economy. Air New Zealand announced today their last flight from Paraparaumu will be 3 April 2018, just a week after the hugely successful Open Day at Kapiti Coast Airport where more than 1000 people visited to show their support for the daily flight service. “We are particularly disappointed with the airline’s decision, after the overwhelming show of community support last weekend. We have been working with the Kāpiti Coast District Council, the Porirua Chamber of Commerce and Air New Zealand since 2017 to build demand for the flights, in recognition of the vital role they play in regional economic growth,” says Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce. “Collectively, we’ve been very open to doing what we can to build an enduring service, however doing this hasn't always been easy in the face if ongoing cancellations and delays - we hear and understand how frustrating this has been for travellers, who have continued to support the flights - especially business commuters. “We will now look to build Kapiti’s reputation as a tourism destination, to boost the local economy and support local businesses. We are already bringing together under the Chamber umbrella all the fantastic tourism operators in the region. Wairarapa has built an excellent offering, despite having no regional airport, and we will be looking at what has worked well to replace what the withdrawal of flights leaves behind’” says Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Source : Press Release: Kapiti Coast Chamber Of Commerce

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1803/S00264/air-new-zealand-withdrawal-huge-loss-for-kapiti.htm

Council working to attract new air services to Kāpiti

The Kāpiti Coast District Council will be working closely with Kāpiti Coast Airport Ltd to attract new air services to the Kāpiti Coast. This follows Air New Zealand’s decision to stop services between Paraparaumu and Auckland. Mayor K Gurunathan says that while the news is disappointing, Air New Zealand isn’t the only airline capable of running services out of the Kāpiti Coast Airport and conversations with other airlines are already happening. “Kāpiti is fast becoming a destination of choice for visitors and business alike. Our District’s share of regional and national tourism has been increasing by 10-15% year-on-year over the past three years. “Kāpiti is a great place to be. Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve and Kāpiti Marine Reserve continue to rate highly amongst national and international media. “We’re confident in the airport’s long term future. Last night I spoke with Evan Davies from airport owners Todd Property and it was heartening to hear him reinforce his company’s commitment to Kāpiti.” Mayor Gurunathan says the Kāpiti Coast Expressway projects, Transmission Gully, quality rail links and daily flights to and from Nelson and Blenheim, mean Kāpiti is connected and accessible to both the greater Wellington region, the central North Island and beyond. “Air New Zealand had some challenges delivering a reliable service within the constraints of its national schedule and this clearly had an impact on customers’ confidence in, and use of the service. This was particularly the case for business travellers.” “There have been a number of changes in New Zealand’s aviation market since Air New Zealand established its service out of Kāpiti and the growth in our tourism will be a real attraction to other players with more flexibility to extend their services.” “Kāpiti Coasters love the airport, which was clear for all to see at the very successful open day last weekend. This news will come as a shock to many who use it, and our thoughts are with the locals whose jobs and businesses are most affected by this decision.

Source : Press Release: Kapiti Coast District Council

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1803/S00263/council-working-to-attract-new-air-services-to-kapiti.htm

Nathan Guy -Air New Zealand dumps on Kapiti

Otaki MP Nathan Guy says Air New Zealand has robbed the Kapiti community by withdrawing its Auckland to Kapiti Coast air service, with just three weeks’ notice. “The route has proved popular and profitable for the national carrier. It’s hard to believe that the reason Air New Zealand is giving – a lack of pilots – has just crept up on them. It stinks,” Mr Guy says. “I also find it hypocritical of Air New Zealand to have been promoting flights from Kapiti Coast as recently as last weekend when they held an open day at the airport. They have deceived the community.” Mr Guy says Air New Zealand is displaying a lack of foresight. “Our region is benefiting hugely by the massive investment taking place with the construction of Transmission Gully and the Kapiti Expressways. It’s making us one of the fastest growing regions in the country. “It is also disappointing that Air New Zealand has given the community insufficient time to come up with another option, so a similar service could continue.” Mr Guy is calling a meeting of representatives from the Kapiti Coast District Council, Air Chathams, Todd Property Group and the Kapiti Chamber of Commerce next week. “The meeting aims to encourage a new carrier to take on the service and Air Chathams has already expressed an interest to me in doing so, but they won’t be able to deliver a service in just three weeks. “I’ll certainly be doing all I can by working with interested groups to fight the decision.” Mr Guy successfully lobbied to get Air New Zealand to begin flights from Kapiti Coast in 2011. “Air New Zealand has invested in the service and it is now performing well, which makes this knee-jerk decision all the more disappointing for regular users and our community.”

Source : Press Release: New Zealand National Party
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1803/S00100/air-new-zealand-dumps-on-kapiti.htm

Regional airlines would struggle on the Auckland to Kapiti route

Regional airlines would struggle on the Auckland to Kapiti route, according to the managing director of Sounds Air... Sounds Air, which offers flights to Kapiti from Blenheim and Nelson, says flying into that region from Auckland is not on its agenda. Most people book low-cost flights into Wellington offered by Air NZ and Jetstar instead of flying into the Kapiti Coast, says Andrew Crawford. "The issue Air NZ will have had, plus any new operator to the sector will have, is that Air NZ and Jetstar offer below-cost fares between Wellington and Auckland - so passengers rightly go for that option."

Source : http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2018/03/air-new-zealand-scraps-flights-to-kapati-coast.html

Sunair - Six Months On

Today mark 6 months since Sunair Aviation was grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority with the company's Air Operator Certificate suspended along with the Certificate of Airworthiness for the Sunair fleet on the 8th of September 2017. This was the airline's second grounding in nine months.

From what I understand Sunair are still hoping to get airborne again.

What I would like to know, is have they been giving a fair deal? Is CAA working with the airline, and other operators for that matter, or is it being just the regulator that doesn't consider the implications of its actions? The airline industry needs a regulator that understands the viability of small operators without compromising aviation safety. These, of course, are speculative questions that I am sure will come out in the wash when Sunair's future or fate is finally made known.

In the meantime, I really lament the loss of the Gisborne service. One wonders when and if another operator might step up? The contenders, as I see it, are Air Gisborne (it's a pity they no longer have their Senecas), Air Napier (who do have Seneca's and a Navajo), and Kiwi Air who would probably need to invest in another aircraft type.   

In the meantime it's a five hour drive for me - or even more like last time when I had to come home via Napier with the Gorge closed

Ridiculous advertising...

Caravaning with Sounds Air

In the Inbox tonight were these photos of Sounds Air's Caravan operation in Wellington!

Looking good Sounds Air

Photos supplied