Direct flights between Palmerston North and Nelson are set to be skywards again, with announcement of a new Nelson-based airline to commence regular services from August.
New Nelson-based airline Originair will provide daily direct flights between the cities, commencing on August 12. The service was originally started by Air New Zealand in July last year, but was cancelled in April after they announced they would cease flying some of their regional routes.
Originair will also provide daily flights between Wellington and Nelson, commencing September 10.
To fill the void created by Air New Zealand's cancellation of the Nelson to Palmerston North return route, experienced airline operator Robert Inglis has established Originair, after having undertaken an intensive due diligence process since the end of last year into the route.
Inglis is the founder of Air Nelson, the defunct Origin Pacific Airways and an aircraft leasing company, Inglis Aircraft Ltd.
Inglis said Originair will run two, twin-turbo prop pressurised 19-seat Jetstreams built by British Aerospace, between Palmerston North and Nelson and employ 20 new staff between the two locations.
"As a small regional airline we are really pleased to be able to offer the direct flights that the Nelson and Manawatū regions have said they need and appreciate.
"We are also pleased to offer travellers to and from Wellington more peak time flights to the capital.
"We are experienced airline operators and have the aircraft and systems to service these routes," he said.
The airline's standard Nelson – Palmerston North fares would range from $169 to $289 for a flexi fully-refundable fare, but specials would be offered from time to time.
Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said the new flights will be much welcomed and make access to Nelson and the South Island much easier for businesses as well as residents.
"Like other carriers, we will lay out the red carpet for Originair and welcome competition which will benefit everyone travelling through our regional airport," he said.
David Lanham, chief executive of Palmerston North Airport, said they are excited about the re-establishment of the popular non-stop air service between Palmerston North and Nelson. They are equally proud of the fact that Originair's aircraft will be operated and maintained by Palmerston North Airport based Fieldair Engineering Ltd.
"The team at Fieldair have over 60 years of experience in the provision of quality aircraft maintenance services and in commercial air operations in New Zealand.
"It's a great coup for our city and region to attract both Originair's air services and support contract."
"[We] look forward to re-connecting [the] Nelson/Tasman region with Palmerston North Airport, the gateway to the lower and central North Island. Well done to Robert Inglis and the Originair team," said Langham.
Inglis said that the contracting of the flight operations and fleet maintenance, will allow Originair's core team to focus on its marketing and customer service.
There will be two return flights to Nelson from Palmerston North each weekday and one flight each way on Saturdays and Sundays. The same applies for the Wellington to Nelson return service.
Destination Manawatū chief executive Lance Bickford also welcomed the news, saying the new route was "really positive" for Palmerston North.
"It's great news this has been chosen as the first route," he said.
"Having provincial centre to provincial centre connections are very important for people."
Inglis said Originair's website is already live and people can book their flights immediately.
Bookings can be made at originair.nz.
ORIGINAIR NELSON/PALMERSTON NORTH WINTER FLIGHT SCHEDULE
Nelson to Palmerston North
Monday to Friday: 9.50am, 2.20pm
Saturday: 8.00am
Sunday: 4.10pm
Palmerston North to Nelson
Monday to Friday: 11.20am, 3.40pm
Saturday: 9.20am
Sunday: 5.30pm
Flights commence on August 12.
ORIGINAIR NELSON/WELLINGTON WINTER FLIGHT SCHEDULE
Nelson to Wellington
Monday to Friday: 7.30am, 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.40am
Sunday: 1.40pm
Wellington to Nelson
Monday to Friday: 8.40am, 6.10pm
Saturday: 11.50am
Sunday: 2.50pm
Flights commence on September 10.
Please Note: The winter flight schedule will be adjusted to both earlier and later departure times for summer.
Source: Press Release - Originair, Press Release - Palmerston North City Council and Manawatū Standard
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