Kāpiti showed its strong and unwavering support for keeping Kāpiti Airport at a packed public meeting on Wednesday, September 22, hosted by National Candidate for ŌŒtaki Tim Costley.
The meeting was a chance for the community to show support for Kāpiti Airport and plan a pathway forward.
Hosted by Tim and a panel of local representatives including Mayor K Gurunathan, Adrian Ali of Air Chathams, Jesse Woods of Sounds Air, George Jenkins representing local iwi, Tony Quaye, president of the Kāpiti Aero Club, and Jacinda Thorn, chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce.
Jacinda says the community turnout was heartening, positive and passionate, with everyone agreeing Kāpiti Airport is a strategic asset and must stay.
"Having a local airport and a direct link to our largest city is incredibly important for our economy, delivering upwards of $4 million per year – which is even more important as we recover from COVID-19 and work to attract domestic tourists to the Coast.
"Business travellers have grown steadily since Air Chathams began flying in 2018, and is the top performing route for Air Chathams," says Jacinda.
Commercial manager for Air Chathams Adrian Ali says they’re already taking bookings for 2021, showing confidence in the region.
"As well as our group bookings, the business market is growing, and we provide an essential service to Auckland. Local business Goodman Contractors who have been flying with us for some time and using our service, have grown their business in Auckland. We are united with the community to keep this vital asset open and operating," says Adrian.
