Sounds Air Survey Results

A new air service between Wanaka and Christchurch got the thumbs up from 90% of 3600 people surveyed over a week in June. The survey results were released by the company this afternoon with 90% ''positive'' or ''strongly positive''. Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford said the results showed the service would be ''embraced'' by the Wanaka community and the airline's customer base which included Christchurch residents. Sounds Air proposes using two 9-seat Pilatus PC12 turbo-prop aircraft for up to 15 return flights per week initially, with up to three services per day. The Queenstown Airport Corporation has not given its approval, saying it would not develop Wanaka Airport to introduce scheduled services until the council had completed plans and assessments. Mr Crawford has maintained no airport development was required for his service. ''It is clear from this survey that an important aspect of this service for the Wanaka community is the fact that it would use the existing facilities at Wanaka Airport with no requirement to invest in additional infrastructure. We understand that many Upper Clutha residents have concerns about the prospect of their community airport becoming a busy commercial operation, but that people also recognise the clear benefits of having regular flights in and out of Wanaka. 'This service, run by our turbo-prop Pilatus PC12s, provides a ready and immediately workable solution," Mr Crawford said. The survey results ''absolutely validate what we have been hearing for the last two and a half years'', he said. ''There is a ready and enthusiastic market for this service, and strong understanding and support for the benefits it would bring.'' Of those who responded from the Upper Clutha, 87% were positive or strongly positive. Mr Crawford said the survey showed demand for services went beyond ''pure tourism usage'' with respondents listing personal, medical, business and family visits as reasons to use it. Sounds Air was ''currently working on concluding arrangements'' with Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) and Christchurch International Airport, and ''proposes to commence services from this September,'' Mr Crawford said. Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said last week the Sounds Air service could be part of discussions when the QAC's statement of intent was considered in October. 

The survey

Total responses: 3685 made up of 1446 (39%) people who live in or own a home in Wanaka, and 2234 (61%) who live outside the region. Data was collected between 23-30 June 2020 and administered by Survey Monkey.

Source : A new air service between Wanaka and Christchurch got the thumbs up from 90% of 3600 people surveyed over a week in June. Andrew Crawford. Photo: ODT files Andrew Crawford. Photo: ODT files The survey results were released by the company this afternoon with 90% ''positive'' or ''strongly positive''. Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford said the results showed the service would be ''embraced'' by the Wanaka community and the airline's customer base which included Christchurch residents. Sounds Air proposes using two 9-seat Pilatus PC12 turbo-prop aircraft for up to 15 return flights per week initially, with up to three services per day. The Queenstown Airport Corporation has not given its approval, saying it would not develop Wanaka Airport to introduce scheduled services until the council had completed plans and assessments. Mr Crawford has maintained no airport development was required for his service. ''It is clear from this survey that an important aspect of this service for the Wanaka community is the fact that it would use the existing facilities at Wanaka Airport with no requirement to invest in additional infrastructure. "We understand that many Upper Clutha residents have concerns about the prospect of their community airport becoming a busy commercial operation, but that people also recognise the clear benefits of having regular flights in and out of Wanaka. ''This service, run by our turbo-prop Pilatus PC12s, provides a ready and immediately workable solution," Mr Crawford said. The survey results ''absolutely validate what we have been hearing for the last two and a half years'', he said. ''There is a ready and enthusiastic market for this service, and strong understanding and support for the benefits it would bring.'' Image: supplied Image: supplied Of those who responded from the Upper Clutha, 87% were positive or strongly positive. Mr Crawford said the survey showed demand for services went beyond ''pure tourism usage'' with respondents listing personal, medical, business and family visits as reasons to use it. Sounds Air was ''currently working on concluding arrangements'' with Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) and Christchurch International Airport, and ''proposes to commence services from this September,'' Mr Crawford said. Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said last week the Sounds Air service could be part of discussions when the QAC's statement of intent was considered in October. Image: supplied Image: supplied The survey Total responses: 3685 made up of 1446 (39%) people who live in or own a home in Wanaka, and 2234 (61%) who live outside the region. Data was collected between 23-30 June 2020 and administered by Survey Monkey.