New airline eyes flights to the Capital
By Dan Hutchinson
Originair will service the Wellington to Taupō route using this 18-seat British Aerosspace twin-turbo prop Jetstream.
A Taupō to Wellington air service has been restored thanks to Originair.
Sounds Air withdrew its service in late 2024 and Originair was now planning to commence flights three days a week, From February 17.
The new service would operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, as a six-month trial.
Originair managing director Robert Inglis said the company was happy to step in to fill the gap, and if the trial was successful they would look to increase the service up to six days a week.
“Our aim is to operate a reliable, sustainable service that can grow with demand."
He said they were well aware the service had not been economic for Sounds Air, hence the three-day trial, rather than a more frequent schedule.
It would service the route with an 18-seat British Aerospace twin-turbo prop Jetstream aircraft.
He said they were competing with State Highway 1 but there was quite a lot of business travel between the two centres.
Standard fares are $239 each way, with one return trip a day. The 70-minute flights from Wellington leave at 12.50pm on Monday and Wednesday and 11.30am on Friday.
They leave from Taupō at 2.40pm on Monday and Wednesday and 1.20pm on Friday.
Inglis said to ensure the service’s long-term viability, Originair would work with local agencies and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy that promoted Taupō as a premier destination.
“Our aim is to operate a reliable, sustainable service that can grow with demand."
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas said air services were essential to a district like Taupō and allowed locals to get around the country and visitors to “come and visit our piece of paradise.
“I am sure that the direct link to Wellington will prove very popular with the people of Taupō who need to get to the capital for work or play – and for Wellingtonians who want to enjoy a good hot summer."
The Taupō District Council got Sounds Air off to a flying start by guaranteeing the first three seats on each flight, but flights were never empty enough where that had to be used.
Trewavas said they did not have the budget to make that guarantee this time around, but they were supporting Originair with marketing.
The plan was to welcome the first flight on February 17 with fire hoses and a band, to create a bit of fanfare.
Air New Zealand continues to provide two return flights a day between Taupō and Auckland.
Taupō Airport general manager Wayne Wootton says it was great that Originair had stepped into the gap, and it would “maintain and grow regional connectivity.
“This is a perfect example of working together to achieve common goals. I am really looking forward to welcoming the Originair team to our award-winning terminal in the New Year."