A special day on the Chatham Islands today with the official opening of the Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport. I was happy to be around to witness the afternoon!
The Islands airport on the Karewa Peninsula has been undergoing a major upgrade, dubbed - Longer and Stronger. The Runway has been extended from 1360m to 1850m and widened from 30m to 45m. The Apron has been extended and strengthened to accommodate two aircraft stands, one big enough to receive aircraft up to Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 in size. The original Terminal has been retained to accommodate Check In and Airline Operations. A new Terminal extension has been built which houses a Departure Lounge, and can be upgraded further to comply with any future increase in Security screening measures. The sealed carpark has also been extended. The original airport was built in 1982, replacing a grass airstrip at Hapupu.
Officially opening the Airport today was MP Mark Patterson, Associate Minister for Regional Development. Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar also traveled out to the Islands to announce that the Air NZ and Air Chathams interline agreement has been expanded to include both Whanganui and the Chatham Islands from tomorrow onwards. Air Chathams CEO Duane Emeny then spoke, saying that the airline plans to increase flight offerings between New Zealand and the Chathams, with potentially 2-3 flights a week to Christchurch, and 3-4 flights a week to Wellington, in addition to seasonal flights over the summer.
MP for Rangitata and Associate Minister of Transport James Meager was supposed to conclude the ceremony, but was called to Wellington just before boarding his flight to the Chathams. Instead Whanganui MP Andrew Tripe, made a speech, also happy with the Interline that is set to include the City. Also in attendance was Air Chathams Craig and Marion Emeny, and MP for Rongotai Julie-Ann Genter.
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| Air Chathams ATR 72-500 ZK-MCO watches proceedings before its flight to Wellington later on in the afternoon. |
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| Texel Air flew its Boeing 737-800BCF ZK-TXE in to celebrate the Airport opening. It landed just before 9am, and departed again at 3.40pm. |
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| The old grass airstrip at Hapupu. |
And a Media Report of the news:
The travel agreement being hailed a ‘significant milestone’ for one of NZ’s most remote communities
An agreement to expand the relationship between Air Chathams and Air New Zealand has been hailed a “milestone” for the Chatham Islands.
For the first time, islanders will be able to book a single ticket for journeys involving both airlines. The two carriers had previously worked together on the Auckland–Whakatāne route.
The new interline agreement covers flights between the Chatham Islands and Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as the Auckland–Whanganui route.
Basically, it means passengers can book a single journey connecting their Air Chathams flight with an Air NZ domestic flight, check in once and collect their bags at their final destination.
It also potentially opens the Chathams to a much bigger pool of mainland tourists and business travellers.
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said “seamless connections” are important to its network
“By working together, we’re making it easier for customers to travel, supporting regional economies, and demonstrating what’s possible when Kiwi airlines collaborate.”
Air Chathams chief executive Duane Emeny called it an “especially significant milestone”.
“It simplifies travel for residents, opens up new opportunities for local businesses and tourism, and makes it much easier for more people to experience one of New Zealand's most unique destinations.”
The new head of the NZ Airports Association, Graeme Sharman, told Stuff it was good news for the regions and for the Chathams in particular.
“It shows what's possible when airlines, airports and communities work together.”
He is currently in the Chatham Islands for the opening of the new terminal at Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport.
“Standing here at the new terminal, you can see the airport investment that makes these connections possible. NZ Airports, and our airport members, will keep working with regional airlines to expand services and connectivity, and we'll keep pressing on the cost settings that support regional routes.”
The agreement has been welcomed on the Chatham Islands.
Mayor Greg Horler said: "The Chatham Islands may be one of New Zealand's most remote communities, but we are an important part of New Zealand's social and economic fabric.
"This partnership makes it easier for residents to access services, education, healthcare and opportunities on the mainland, while making it simpler for visitors to experience everything the Chatham Islands have to offer.“
Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe said it was “a practical improvement that will make a real difference for residents, visitors and businesses, while helping Whanganui remain accessible, connected and open to new opportunities”.
The new agreement starts on August 13.
It comes as the country’s smaller carriers continue to face tough economic headwinds.
Air Chathams recently stopped the only direct flights between the Kāpiti Coast and Auckland.
Rising expenses in aircraft maintenance, labour, airport charges, air traffic control fees, compliance, and fuel meant the route was losing money on every flight.
Earlier this year, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager announced loans for airlines hit hard by the fuel crisis.
It included a $17.2m loan to Air Chathams, $4.5m for Sounds Air, $1.1m for Golden Bay Air and $252,000 for Island Air, who fly from Tauranga to Mōtītī Island.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
Steve, did Texel Air feature much in the celebrations? They obviously thought it useful enough to fly out to the Chats for the day. Anyone know if they are still flying freight charters to the island periodically?
ReplyDeleteHi There, it was me Liam out here on the Chathams. It didn't feature as much as I thought it would. Texel was acknowledged by local and visiting dignitaries, as was 'the big bird'. It was certainly a nice touch to have it here for the opening.
ReplyDeleteYes, Texel still doing sporadic trips out here. It has been excellent having the option to air freight large quantities of freight/goods. Texel brought out a full load of trees for a planting project.
Apologies Liam, noticed it was your post after I’d submitted. Interesting dynamics at play with Texel operating the 737 out to the Island periodically, utilising the expanded airfield, but the incumbent Air Chats failing to pull together a jet operation, and if anything downscaling some flights from ATR72’s to Saab’s. Assume RNZAF Poseidon’s are too big/heavy to land there.
ReplyDeleteNo worries :) Yeah I guess it all comes down to scale, and who is best placed to serve. Whilst I am sure Air Chathams would love a Jet, it's a lot of plane! And the work just isn't there for it. Air Chathams already have some of the lowest utilized ATR 72s in the world. Thats why having Texel come out here intermittently for big projects/air lifts has been excellent. There is some concern in the community about downgrading from a ATR to a Saab (and how cramped the Saab is for the long haul out). However it has been promised that with the smaller plane, there will be a increased flight schedule with at least 2 flights to Christchurch. This is a great thing for those travelling to medical appointments, and not having to wait a week until the next flight.
DeleteThe all Freighter Saab has done a few summers hauling seafood to New Zealand and has worked really well apparently. Having a dedicated Freighter alongside the dedicated pax aircraft could be a winning combo.
Who knows what the future holds. The terminal expansion has been set up accommodate any increase in Security requirements. Interest times ahead! :)
Haven't seen any of the Poseidons out here yet. The Hercules came out last week bringing some Govt ministers.