Wairarapa businesses and residents say they are prepared put their money where their mouths are to bring an air service back to Masterton.
A major community and business survey run by Business Wairarapa attracted 637 responses, sending a clear message - they want a direct air service between Masterton and Auckland, and many are prepared financially support that service.
The respondents estimated about 9800 one-way trips a year, with 6862 one-way flights pledged for the first year of such service.
Business Wairarapa chairperson Eve Buchanan said the response went well beyond people simply saying they liked the idea. "The big difference with this survey is that we didn't just ask people whether they wanted a airline service. We asked how often they would use it, what they would pay and, importantly, whether they were prepared to financially support getting it established.
"The results are incredibly encouraging, Wairarapa has effectively put up it's hand and said if an airline is prepared to back our region, we are prepared to back them".
Buchanan said the impact of a direct connection would extend well beyond convenience.
"This isn't just about saving Wairarapa people a drive over the hill. A direct connection with Auckland would open up real opportunities for our businesses, tourism operators, families and the wides regional economy"
She said for a business person being able to leave from Masterton in the morning, spend a productive day in Auckland, and return home that evening could be transformational.
"Equally, making Wairarapa easier for Aucklanders to visit creates an entirely new opportunity for our tourism and hospltality sectors.
The survey also revealed strong willingness from local businesses to help reduce the commercial risk of launching a new regional route.
"That's why these results matter. We now have genuine data around passenger demand, pricing, pledged travel, and businesses prepared to help support the establishment of a service. That gives us something credible to take to potential operators".
Buchanan said, the next stage was about converting the survey results into a compelling commercial proposition. Regular Politicians also supported a Wairarapa - Auckland air connection, including Masterton Mayor Bex Johnson, and MPs Mike Butterick and Kieren McAnulty.
Johnson said that was "incredibly encouraging" to see the strong level of support from the community for the return of commercial air service connecting Masterton.
"The results speak for themselves. There is clear demand for a regional air service, and our business community has demonstrated a willingness to support it and help make it successful."
Johnson said as the owner and operator of Hood Aerodrome, Masterton District Council had invested in and upgraded this important regional asset.
"We are ready and open for business. This survey provides compelling case for airlines to explore the opportunity and potential that exists here.
"We welcome conversations with any airline interested in exploring the opportunity to reconnect Wairarapa by air and support the region's future growth and prosperity".
Source: Wairarapa Times Age
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