Rotorua regains overnight for Wellington flights

Air New Zealand flight scheduling between Rotorua and Wellington is changing next month [April] to enable business travellers a full day’s work in the capital. The changes are also expected to strengthen Rotorua efforts to attract more domestic visitors from Wellington. The changes will take effect from 4 April 2018 and Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, who has led efforts to reinstate early morning flights from Rotorua to Wellington, says it is great news. The mayor, airport management and Rotorua Chamber of Commerce have worked with Air New Zealand to make flight schedule changes to enable locals needing to be in the capital for work and/or meetings to have a full day of business in Wellington. "Current flight schedules don’t allow for that and we’ve lobbied hard on behalf of our business community," the mayor says. "Air New Zealand has listened and it’s now up to the local business community to support the new schedule and ensure it remains viable for the airline. "This is something our business community has told us is important so I’m sure the new schedule will be well utilised." What’s changing?

- Reinstatement of Monday to Friday 7am flight from Rotorua to Wellington with a return flight departing Wellington at 6.20pm;

- Addition of a Rotorua to Wellington flight Friday evenings, increasing the number of Rotorua to Wellington flights on Fridays from three to four;

- Additional Wellington to Rotorua service on Sundays, departing 6.20pm, increasing the number of Wellington to Rotorua flights on Sundays from two to three;

- The two extra weekend evening services (Fridays and Sundays) equate to a 5% increase in capacity on the Rotorua-Wellington route over the winter months, compared with last year.

Peter Stubbs, who chairs both the Rotorua Airport board and the board of Council’s economic development CCO Rotorua Economic Development Ltd, says the new schedule has come at the right time. "Air New Zealand has responded to calls for a more business-friendly schedule, which is great, and the change also coincides with Destination Rotorua looking to attract Wellington visitors. This change is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people over a reasonable period of time and the challenge now is for the community, in particular the business community, to support the new schedule to ensure we keep it. This will also strengthen our efforts to encourage Wellingtonians to consider Rotorua as a fantastic holiday destination so it’s come at a good time," Mr Stubbs says. The announcement is also welcomed by Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chair John McRae who says reinstatement of the flights was a strategic priority for the chamber. "The business community was seriously affected when it was removed and reinstatement has been a high priority," Mr McRae says. "Our philosophy is about collaborating and working together with Council and the Airport has delivered the result we sought." Air New Zealand’s Regional Affairs Manager Ian Collier says after consistent feedback from the local community, the airline has worked hard to deliver an early morning weekday service from Rotorua to Wellington to enable a full day of business in the capital, returning to Rotorua in the evenings. "We are pleased we have been able to achieve this for the Rotorua community after working closely with the local chamber, airport, council - and Mayor Steve Chadwick. We are also delighted to add additional weekend capacity on the route which is a reflection of the strong growth we are seeing with Rotorua."

Source : http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/5/306122

Rotorua Airport is welcoming today’s announcement Air New Zealand is reinstating its early morning flight from Rotorua to Wellington, saying it shows what can be achieved when the city works together. Rotorua Airport chief executive Mark Gibb says the announcement comes after strong lobbying from the community, Rotorua Airport, the business sector, Rotorua Lakes Council and Mayor Steve Chadwick. From April 4, the schedule will include a 7am flight from Rotorua to Wellington on weekdays, enabling travellers to reach meetings in Wellington that morning. As a result, Rotorua Airport will have early morning start up flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch opening opportunities travellers. “This not only supports the business sector, but visitors and the wider community, providing more options for travel on any given day. “We know this will make a significant difference to those who regularly travel to Wellington, especially for business. “The demand has been clear from our business community and it is important that the service is now utilised, in order to sustain it.” Mr Gibb says the news comes on top of a strong performance from Rotorua Airport over the past year. In the year to December 31, 2017, the airport recorded its highest number of passenger movements since 2008 – with 241,303 people travelling through the airport. In December, the number of aviation movements also peaked at its highest monthly total since records began in 2012, with 537 aircraft using the airport over the month. “These numbers reflect the hard work at the airport, Council and Destination Rotorua, to ensure our city best fits the needs of travellers. “The announcement of the new 7am Wellington flight will be another boost to this effect.”

Source : https://www.facebook.com/Fly2Rotorua/

Whitianga Commuter Service

On the 14th of March this appeared on the FlyStark Facebook page...

Calling all weekly commuters!!! We are looking at putting on a service Whitianga to Ardmore on a Monday morning returning on a Friday afternoon - if this sounds of interest to you please email -info@flystark.com -

“Why drive when you can FLY”

Then on Friday the 16th  the following appeared...

Thank you all so much for your interest in flying from Whitianga to Ardmore on a Monday morning, and then returning on Friday afternoon. For this to be feasible for us we can only fly if we have a minimum of 4 people. So what we are suggesting is the Thursday prior to the Monday flight all bookings have to be in to info@flystark.com and if we get 4 or more people then the following weeks flight will go ahead.

Flight info:

Mondays flight departs Whitianga @ 7.15am
Friday’s flight departs Ardmore @ 4.30pm

Flight time is 25 MINUTES!!!!

$150 each way.
Mobile number, weight and luggage weight required at time of booking.
*email booking required Thursday prior.
A free shuttle service to the Papakura train station included in the price

WHY DRIVE 3 HOURS, WHEN YOU CAN FLY

Wanted : One Airline

Council takes steps on Kāpiti Coast Airport services

Kāpiti Coast District Council chief executive Wayne Maxwell says the Council is solutions focussed and taking action, following last week’s announcement by Air New Zealand to suspend flights between the Kāpiti Coast and Auckland. “We see a long term future for the airport and are engaging with other potential airline operators,” Mr Maxwell said. From this weekend, Council staff will be on the ground at the airport talking to travelers and gathering additional data about how the service is used. “This will assist us in working to bring another airline provider to Kāpiti,” he said. Mr Maxwell’s comments echo those of Mayor K Gurunathan, who last week affirmed his confidence in the airport’s long term future. The Council had already started conversations with other airlines as potential providers of an alternative service from Kāpiti. The Mayor was also quick to dispel suggestions of negative impacts on economic growth. “Growth in Kāpiti doesn’t rest and fall on Air New Zealand serving the airport,” Mayor K Gurunathan said. “We have a buoyant district economy and the expressways, 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.” Mr Maxwell said Council’s goal for Kāpiti was an open, functioning and viable airport – not just for economic reasons, but also for the key emergency management role the airport plays in the wider Wellington region’s resilience strategies. Former airport owner Sir Noel Robinson has also demonstrated his ongoing passion and vision for the District and the airport, commenting in a number of media interviews. This includes highlighting an increased awareness of the airport’s critical emergency management role as a logistics staging point, post the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. “Since we were first alerted to Air New Zealand’s decision to withdraw services from Kāpiti we have been in conversation with a range of interested parties to rally support and identify possible solutions,” he said. This includes Air Chathams, who fly to a number of destinations and stepped in to provide a service to Whanganui in similar circumstances. Kāpiti Coast Airport and its owner Todd Property, local MPs (Nathan Guy and Kris Faafoi), Air New Zealand, the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, and our neighbouring Mayors in Porirua and Horowhenua have also been part of the Council’s discussions. “We are in the process of pulling together a feasibility study and business case looking at the ongoing viability of the airport, replacing the Air New Zealand service as a starting point,” Mr Maxwell said. “We are encouraged and bolstered by the business and community support of our initial response to the Air New Zealand announcement and will continue to take a lead in responding to their commercial decision. “While there will be a gap in the short-term, as far as we’re concerned we must have a replacement service within two to three months.”

Source : Press Release: Kapiti Coast District Council - 16 March 2018

Departing - Air New Zealand - the photo above is of the first scheduled Air New Zealand flight into Paraparaumu

Air2there operate daily services from Paraparaumu to Blenheim and Nelson

Sounds Air operate services from Paraparaumu to Blenheim and Nelson on three days a week

Air Chathams - the chief contender - have been silent so far 

From Gisborne to Waikato Hospital

Air Gisborne is regularly flying into Hamilton these days... 

Beech King Air ZK-SKL is doing air ambulance work... This photo was taken out of my ATR window when about to fly to Wellington yesterday

Also coming in most days is Air Gisborne's Piper Navajo ZK-SRC (at rear) which brings medical staff and patients for appointments at Waikato Hospital

Wide Body Services to operate between Auckland – Christchurch

Air New Zealand will be operating services between Auckland and Christchurch using the Boeing 787-9 and 777-200 aircraft over the coming months. The following flights will be operated by a 787-9 and 777-200 aircraft:

So a little bit of mathematical deduction...

Fact 1 : Wide Body Boeings replacing Airbuses AKL-CHC-CHC

Fact 2 : Airbuses replacing ATRs WLG-CHC-WLG

Fact 3 : Small operators complaining about losing pilots

Answer

This was a bit unfortunate...

I just found this press release last month... 
The comment by Air New Zealand's Regional Affairs Manager was a bit untimely given the announcement last week...

Open day aims to encourage business people to fly from Kāpiti

February 23, 2018

Press Release – Kapiti Coast Chamber Of Commerce
Kāpiti and Porirua local business professionals are being invited to get behind the daily flight service from Paraparaumu to Auckland and support the Open Day at Kapiti Coast Airport.

The Open Day will be held on 3 March, in partnership with Air New Zealand, the Kāpiti Coast District Council, and the Kāpiti and Porirua Chambers of Commerce. A chance for the community to get up and personal with this vital service, the event builds on the work already underway by both Chambers to drive passenger demand for the Kāpiti to Auckland link.

“We consider our daily connection to Auckland critical infrastructure. It plays an important role in our wider regional economic growth. We’re really pleased to hear anecdotally more people are choosing to fly from Kāpiti – but we can always do more to encourage local businesses to capitalise on the convenience of flying from Paraparaumu” says Heather Hutchings, Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce Chair.

The Kāpiti and Porirua Chambers began working together in 2017 to drive passenger demand, in response to a challenge issued by Air New Zealand for Kāpiti to create a compelling narrative they can promote on behalf of the region.

“We would like business professionals who regularly fly to Auckland to consider flying from Kāpiti instead of Wellington. We are pleased to support the Open Day – this is just one of the initiatives underway to drive better awareness of the Kāpiti to Auckland route and the convenience it offers,” says Heather Hutchings.

Former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett has used the service with his regular travel to and from Auckland.

“Earlier this week, we had a full flight south to Kapiti, I was off the plane and into the car in under a minute and home to Paremata in twenty-five minutes. The alternative at Wellington would have taken a lot longer through airport construction and building peak hour traffic.”

Tracy Johnson, Porirua Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, says Kāpiti Coast Airport will become even more important to Porirua in the years to come.

“We have the third-highest household income in New Zealand, with a high volume of business travellers commuting each day to Wellington Airport. We will be even more closely connected once Transmission Gully is completed. It makes sense for us to encourage our members to consider travelling from Kāpiti, and taking advantage of everything the airport offers,” says Tracy Johnson.

Ian Collier, Air New Zealand Regional Affairs Manager, says he hopes the Open Day attracts both leisure and business travellers alike.

“We have been working closely with the Chambers and Council to grow awareness for the direct Kāpiti Coast – Auckland link and initiatives such as the upcoming Open Day are a great opportunity to highlight the service to the local community whether they may need to travel for business or leisure. We’re looking forward to attending the event and engaging with the community,” says Ian Collier.

The Open Day, which is being supported by Kapiti Coast Airport, begins at 12pm and will run for approximately two hours. There will be an opportunity to win two return Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, check out some of the tourism opportunities on offer in Kapiti, take a behind the scenes tour and go on board an Air New Zealand Q300 aircraft.

Press Release – Kapiti Coast District Council
Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Mayor K Gurunathan will join other regional leaders, the Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce, and Air New Zealand to host an open day at Kāpiti Coast Airport for the local community on Saturday 3 March. Following the arrival of Air New Zealand’s first scheduled flight of the day at 11.30am, the airport will be open to visitors from around the region.

The Mayor says the Council is pleased to support Air NZ’s initiatives and understands the importance of maintaining and growing the regional route, both for business and community in Kāpiti and neighbouring regions.

“The advantages and convenience of being able to travel directly from the Coast into Auckland, and home again without having to travel to Wellington city are obvious, and we want to remind not just locals of that, but alert out-of-region visitors to that convenience, as well,” he said.

For the first time, the mayors of Kapiti, Porirua, and Horowhenua will be coming together to promote a regional asset.

“I’m very pleased to be welcoming Mayors Mike Tana and Michael Feyen to Kāpiti, and I’ll be inviting them to check out the range of tourism options on show during the open day. We’ll consider how these are well placed to be promoted to visitors as part of a wider regional package of leisure activities and experiences north of Wellington.”

“The completion of Transmission Gully will make travel time between Porirua and Kāpiti shorter making Kāpiti Airport a viable alternative for Porirua residents, given Wellington’s traffic congestion and parking problems,” Mayor Tana said.

Mayor Feyen said the proposed expressway extension north through Horowhenua will do the same and draw the District’s business catchment south towards Kāpiti and Porirua.

“Kāpiti Airport will be an alternative to the one in Palmerston North,” he added.

The public will be invited to view the facilities, go on board an Air New Zealand Q300 aircraft, enjoy free refreshments, and learn more about what’s on offer, both leisure and business-wise in Kāpiti. There’ll also be flight prize draws for two return Air NZ Kāpiti to Auckland flights.

Air New Zealand Regional Affairs Manager Ian Collier says the airline is looking forward to co-hosting the open day.

“We’ve been working closely with local stakeholders to encourage use of our services and grow demand and this open day is just one output of this work. We’re looking forward to inviting Kāpiti Coast locals on board one of our Q300 aircraft as part of the event and sharing more details on the services available at Kāpiti Coast Airport,” says Mr Collier.

Mayor Gurunathan also thanked the Chamber for their sterling support and promised to continue to seek a stronger working relationship of all involved in highlighting the importance of the regular air connection north and south.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Open Day at Kāpiti Coast Airport, 60 Toru Road, Paraparaumu Beach on Saturday 3 March from 12.00pm to 2.15pm.

CIZ getting ready for service

One of Air Chathams' new Saab 340s ZK-CIZ is clearly getting ready for service...
CIZ was photographed at Auckland on 11 March 2018