Welcome to Air Chathams
Published on 25 July 2016
25 July 2016
The Whanganui community is invited to welcome Air Chathams to our Airport at an Open Day on Sunday, July 31.
The Airport Open Day will run from 9.00am to 3.00pm on Sunday and will include scenic flights on Air Chathams’ DC3 and WWII Catalina Flying Boat, as well as ground displays of their Fairchild Metroliner. A Vampire Jet, Russian Yak, Venom and Tiger Moth will also be on display on the ground and in the air. Aircraft from the NZ International Commercial Pilot Academy, Wanganui Aero Club, Air Wanganui, Ravensdown Aerowork and Hill Country Helicopters will be on display alongside vintage cars from the Wanganui Car Club.
Ravensdown is providing a bouncy castle and the Wanganui Aero Modellers will have models on display. There will be tours of the Airport Control Tower Restoration Project and food and coffee will be provided by the Airport’s South Beach Café and other outlets.
Admission and parking are free. Entry to the open day is through the Wanganui Aero Club Clubrooms and out onto the airport.
Air Chathams’ new service for Whanganui
Air Chathams will begin providing Whanganui-Auckland services on August 1. The airline, which has bases on the Chatham Islands and in Auckland, currently flies to and from the Chathams as well as providing flights between Whakatane and Auckland.
Mayor Annette Main says she hopes for a great public turnout at Sunday’s Open Day, which will include displays of a variety of vintage and modern planes, including the 34-seat Saab 340 which Air Chathams will use on the Whanganui-Auckland route.
“We look forward to working with Air Chathams who have a reputation for providing a reliable and efficient service that meets the needs of the community in which they operate. It’s great they have stepped up and filled the gap Air New Zealand has left by discontinuing its services.
“I want to encourage Whanganui people to use Air Chathams’ service which keeps open this vital air link to Auckland and beyond for business and leisure.”
Mayor Main will also be at the Whanganui Airport on Monday, August 1, to see the first Air Chathams flight take off to Auckland, as well as to greet passengers and media who will be on the first Air Chathams flight into Whanganui.
One of these passengers is Whanganui MP Hon Chester Borrows, who is returning to Whanganui from Auckland after a long-haul flight from Canada.
“Whanganui is very pleased Air Chathams has keenly pursued the opportunity when Air New Zealand stepped away,” Mr Borrows said.
“They have committed serious money to the venture including the procurement of the 34 seater SAAB. Now it is the turn for Whanganui's business and travelling public to step up too and back the new service. I am sure the relationship will be mutually beneficial.”
Air Chathams General Manager Duane Emeny says the airline is really looking forward to the Airport Open Day, as well as its first flights on August 1.
“Air Chathams has been built on strong community based ties and caring more about people than profits. That philosophy has carried us through the past 30 years and will ensure we can succeed on the Whanganui-Auckland route too.
“Our investment in the larger, more modern Saab 340 is proof of our confidence in Whanganui and willingness to see the region continue to develop and grow rather than lose investment to neighbouring regions.”
For information and bookings for Whanganui-Auckland flights, visit Air Chathams’ website or call 0800 580 127.