Where Next for Originair?

Appearing on Originair's Facebook yesterday was a story indicating they are spreading their wings somewhere new... 

The most likely new route would have to be Blenheim to Christchurch given Sounds Air's exit from the route at the end of the month. The top of the post, however, indicates it might well be Wānaka which again Sounds Air is withdrawing from. With either of these routes Originair would need another new route, either Nelson-Christchurch or Wellington-Blenheim. A matter of watch this space.

Whatever happens, conditions in the regional airline business remains difficult. Originair is set to pull out of Hamilton at the end of this month and its other schedules are very much reduced with four flights a week between Nelson and Wellington and then Wellington to Westport and six flights a week between Nelson and Palmerston North.

Meanwhile I was pleased to catch up with Originair's BAe Jetstream 32 ZK-JSJ at Wellington on 8 September 2025 - also great to meet with Nelson spotters Terry and Dan.  

Originair's BAe Jetstream 32 ZK-JSJ arriving into Wellington from Nelson on 11 September 2025

On the way again, this time off to Westport