First International and Growing Domestically

Air Chathams flight 581 to Norfolk Island on the departure board

Off to Norfolk Island today on a charter was Air Chathams' Convair 580 ZK-CIE. This was the first international air service the company has flown. The company is considering to establish a regular service to Norfolk Island and a critical aspect of that discernment process is knowing the needs of the islanders, building the relationship and seeing if the company can make it work.

Convair 580 ZK-CIE on arrival at Norfolk Island on 19 May 2018

Meanwile progress is being made on reinstating an Auckland-Kapiti service...  

National's Otaki MP Nathan Guy held a meeting yesterday with interested parties, including Air Chathams and the Kāpiti Coast District Council, regarding Air Chathams' bid to use the airport. Mr Guy said the Kāpiti community valued having a commercial airport on its doorstep that linked with Auckland, enabling connections to be made by business travellers, those going overseas or just visiting family and friends further north. But gaining the necessary approvals for that to happen was taking longer than was anticipated. "But Air Chathams is encouraged by the progress that has taken place, and all parties remain committed to a positive outcome," he said. Air Chathams chief executive Craig Emeny said the airline had a huge potential in the region, and was working hard with the council and the airport to bring its service to the Kāpiti Coast. "As an airline we need to be meticulous in our approach, and ensure that all operational and regulatory issues have been thoroughly investigated, well before our planes touch the tarmac in Kāpiti," Mr Emeny said. "But Air Chathams is encouraged by the progress that has taken place, and all parties remain committed to a positive outcome." Paraparaumu is one of New Zealand's few privately owned airports.

Source : https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/357675/airline-pushes-to-save-kapiti-airport-from-demise