Originair will offer 18-seat British Aerospace Jetstream flights between Blenheim and Christchurch from the 19th of October 2025. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays it will operate two return flights a day with one return flight offered on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. Originair will also offer direct flights between Blenheim and Palmerston North twice a week, on Monday and Fridays.
Marlborough Airport has welcomed Originair’s announcement today to provide non-stop, return service from Blenheim to Christchurch several times per week. The new service is due to begin on 19 October, with a pressurised twin turboprop operated by a two-pilot crew. Christchurch to Blenheim is an important route for Marlborough, for everything from tourism to health care, said Marlborough Airport Chairman, Matt Kerr. “Originair plans to scale up to an all week, double daily service, if there is demand,” said Mr Kerr. “Maintaining regional connectivity and keeping it affordable is a top priority for the airport, and Originair stepping in to fill this route is great news. These direct flights will offer an upgraded service, with 18-seat pressurised planes.” Christchurch is not only a key market for Marlborough but also an important gateway for visitors from Australia’s East Coast, says Tracey Green, General Manager, Destination Marlborough. “We’re delighted to welcome Originair to Marlborough and see it supporting the vital air connection with Christchurch. We look forward to working alongside Originair as they grow their presence in our region,” she says. Marlborough Mayor, Nadine Taylor said it was very welcome news for keeping Marlborough connected across New Zealand and to international destinations. “We know demand is there and I encourage Marlburians to get on board and build a long term, sustainable service. I wish Origin all the best with the new service,” Mayor Taylor said. In addition to Christchurch, Originair also plans to introduce a return service between Blenheim and Palmerston North. Ticketing and the full timetable are available now at https://originair.co.nz.
Source : https://insidegovernment.co.nz/marlborough-airport-welcomes-new-christchurch-route/
2 engines, 2 props, 2 starter gens etc etc not to mention an aging aircraft type that parts are getting more and more obscure and expensive to obtain and maintain. Good luck to them by all means but I won't be surprised if I see an article on here saying they have dropped the route. Time will tell.....
ReplyDeleteNot to mention the inability to get new windscreens. They're out of production. Basically you could be one birdstrike away from scrapping an aircraft.
ReplyDeleteA possible routing using one aircraft between NSN, CHC, BHE, CHC and NSN.
ReplyDeleteThis would connect with a route between NSN, WLG, PMR, WLG, BHE and NSN.using another aircraft leaving the one aircraft as spare for maintenance and service back up.