Originair will recommence its direct flights between Nelson and Palmerston North in September 2016.
However, some flights will operate sooner during this month’s school holidays and its charter services are immediately available for flights throughout New Zealand.
Managing Director, Robert Inglis, said that the disruption to the airlines scheduled services over the past three months was the result of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) placing a restriction on the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of the company then providing a contracted service to Originair.
Originair has recently contracted Inflite Charters of Auckland for the provision of these services and is now ready and able to fly customers again. The company is pleased to be able to offer its quality service on the popular Nelson-Palmerston North route, as well as providing charter services to most New Zealand destinations.
Mr. Inglis said that whilst the disruption to Originair’s services has been disappointing, especially at a time of sustained growth in customer numbers, he has full confidence in the new relationship with the well-resourced Inflite Charters Ltd operation. Fieldair Engineering Ltd of Palmerston North will continue to maintain Originair’s aircraft.
The Nelson/Palmerston North service will initially focus on peak days each week before increasing services in-line with demand in the high season. Originair’s charter services will run as normal and other fixed price business for its aircraft is also being planned.
Originair has also made internal staff changes recently with two existing staff members being promoted to key positions. Tracey Pawson will now manage the company’s scheduled services, and Gary Jeffcott will manage charter flying, group bookings and tour services.
Mr. Inglis said he was grateful for the support Originair has received from its customers, and was looking forward to again being able to offer Nelson and Palmerston North travellers an easy, quality, direct service on its Jetstream aircraft. Mr. Inglis is also expecting the company’s popular charter service to be in demand.