In many ways Robert is the one who, in conjunction with Air New Zealand, transformed provincial air travel in New Zealand. Before the advent of the Air Nelson and Eagle Air coming associated with Air New Zealand regional airlines had to fight for survival often with very lean routes. Air New Zealand flew Fokker Friendships with schedules that suggested "you fly when we fly."
The advent of Air Nelson and Eagle Air association with Air New Zealand meant smaller aircraft but much better frequencies and importantly the change in attitude, "we fly when you want to fly." The key point, however, was the connection with Air New Zealand or a major player.
My profile on the Air Nelson history up to 1990... https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2017/07/air-nelson-part-1-nelson-wellington.html
When Robert started Origin Pacific Airways he was quickly able to connect with Qantas and that made all the difference.
My profile on Origin Pacific... https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2015/08/origin-pacific-airways-airline-for-our.html
His latest incarnation in the airline business, Originair, is back to the old days, the fight for survival often with very lean routes.
My profile on Originair... https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2015/08/originair-new-cook-strait-carrier.html
As we look to the future, there will undoubtedly be more pruning of Air New Zealand's provincial services. In principle I have no problem with that as long as there is interline agreements with Air New Zealand. The railcars and long distance buses have effectively gone and the aeroplane has become the bus or railcar of the air. As we move forward it seems important for the Government to ensure good provincial connectivity as various figures in the regional airline sector have been saying.
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