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Air Chathams is welcoming the Government’s announcement of new financial support for regional aviation, calling it a long-awaited recognition of the essential role regional air services play in keeping New Zealand connected.
“This is a very welcome day for our airline, our people, and the communities we serve,” says Air Chathams chief executive Duane Emeny.
“For many of the regions we fly to, air services are not a luxury – they are the only reliable means of connecting people with family, work, health, and tourism. Today’s announcement is a clear recognition by the Government that regional connectivity is as critical to New Zealand as road, rail, and sea transport.”
The package includes concessionary loans for regional airlines and dedicated support for interline capability to strengthen links between smaller carriers and the national network. Air Chathams says this announcement, alongside future detail from the upcoming Aviation Action Plan, could mark the start of a significant and much-needed shift in how New Zealand supports and sustains its regional air services.
“People in Whakatāne, Whanganui, Kapiti, and the Chatham Islands will be breathing a sigh of relief today,” says Duane. “Once full details are known, this support will likely ensure surety in maintaining their essential air connections and provides a platform to rebuild and grow regional air services for the future.”
Air Chathams expressed its gratitude to Ministers James Meager and Shane Jones for their dogged determination to understand the issues and find a way forward.
“Both Ministers have been relentless in their support for regional aviation. Their willingness to listen and act has been instrumental in getting this across the line,” says Duane.
The airline also acknowledged the tireless work of industry bodies – NZ Airports, BARNZ, and the Aviation Industry Association – who have advocated on behalf of regional airlines and ensured the Government fully understood the vital role they play.
Special thanks were also given to Air New Zealand for its collaboration across the industry, particularly through the creation of an airline group to highlight key areas needing Government support. Air Chathams noted that work on interline connectivity between the two airlines is now well advanced and will bring direct benefits to regional passengers.
Finally, Air Chathams thanked Auckland Airport for its openness and commitment to finding bespoke ways to help reduce structural costs and maintain regional services.
“Today’s announcement is not the result of one organisation or one airline,” says Duane.
“It is the product of collective effort on a common issue. We hope it puts a marker in the ground for a new era of collaboration – one where the aviation industry and Government work hand-in-hand to ensure regional New Zealand has the connectivity it deserves. That’s a win for the communities, for the economy, and for New Zealand Inc.”
