Originair has cancelled its Taupō-Wellington service, leaving the central North Island town with no flight links to the capital. The Nelson-based airline only started flying the route in February after Sounds Air had to axe the service. Flights on its website show ‘No Flights’ or ‘Sold Out’ after May 26 and there are no dates beyond June 7. Tickets for the three remaining dates (May 19, 23 and 26) are selling from $259 one way. Originair has not responded to Stuff Travel’s requests for comment. Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas told Stuff Travel it was unfortunate that the airline could not make it work. “We thank them for giving it a go but, unfortunately, the forward bookings just didn't stack up for what they needed for their business.” Trewavas said connectivity to the capital was “so important” so the council will be actively looking to find another operator. Originair was flying three days a week between Wellington and Taupō. He said he had a conversation with Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran last week, who said he would go away and have another look at it. “Our economy is getting stronger and stronger. They are building another new geothermal plant. I believe the business is definitely there, but the timing's got to be right too.” Taupō residents will have to drive to Rotorua to get a flight to Wellington. The first direct flight of the day from there is 9.30am or else transit via Auckland. “Air travel is the way to go,” Trewavas said, ”so we'll be certainly open to any offers that might come our way. “We've got a brand new airport terminal, so we're all set to go and we just need that connectivity to the capital.” In February, after the plane touched down on its inaugural flight between the centres, Rachel Moffitt, Originair’s head of marketing, said there had been a "positive reception from local businesses and residents“ and showed ”the potential for this route to thrive.” Taupō MP and Tourism Minister Louise Upston said the company had not advised her of its plans. “Although I don’t use the Taupō service on a weekly basis, I do appreciate the work Originair has put into this regional route, and stepping in when Sounds Air withdrew.”
The full article can be found here : https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360685789/taupo-lose-wellington-connection-originair-pulls-route-after-three-months
Rubbish schedule, not daily, no interline. It was all stacked against it. And no with no overnighting Wellington aircraft in Rotorua, one will now need to travel via AKL, or catch a flight out of HLZ.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately you will never see Air NZ back on the route, and no other airline is suitable, or will be willing to take the risk. It seems the WLG - TUO link may be relegated to the history books. Maybe in years to come if things interesting the aviation sector improve dramatically, we may see the return of Sounds Air, but it's kinda doubtful.
It struggled for local support even when Eagle Beech 1900Ds were operating it, with interlined connections. Still didn’t work.
DeleteI wonder what support the Taupo council provided to Origin to trial the route. Gut says nothing but noise.
Economics are changing. Overseas a route like this wouldn’t exist.
Unless Central or Local government are willing to financially support regional aviation operators (outside of Air NZ) then connectivity is inevitably going to suffer. You can't expect the operators to bear the burden of all the costs
ReplyDelete