Originair commenced direct flights between Blenheim and Palmerston North today. The first flights, OGN 201 from Palmerston North to Blenheim and the return, OGN 202 from Blenheim to Palmerston North were operated in British Aerospace Jetstream 31 ZK-JSH.
This service is operated twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. Originair told RNZ that it anticipates demand for its new service between Blenheim and Palmerston North will be driven by business from nearby military bases. Managing director Robert Inglis said the new service to Palmerston North would suit those currently driving to Nelson for a direct flight. "If Nelson-Palmerston is anything to go by, it's certainly been a high percentage of people visiting friends and family," he said. "Certainly more of a leisure market than a business market." Passengers would find it more convenient than flying to Wellington and driving up, he said. Personnel at Woodbourne and Ohakea military bases were also expected to take advantage of the new route.
The first time this direct route was operated in the 1930s when Union Airways operated de Havilland Express aircraft between the two centres until just after the outbreak of World War II. Union Airways will be the subject of a post in January.
The route was then briefly operated by CityJet in 1999 using Embraer Bandeirantes, see https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2012/12/cityjet-nzs-low-cost-airline.html
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