Originair to take over Westport-Wgtn route

A new airline will fly between Westport and Wellington from next year.

Buller Mayor Jamie Klein said the council had reached an agreement with Nelson-based Originair, which would begin providing services from January 3.

Flights on the 18-seat twin-turboprop aircraft will operate six days a week, with morning flights departing from Westport Monday through Thursday, and afternoon flights on Fridays and Saturdays for tourists.

The airline already flies between Nelson and Palmerston North, Hamilton and Wellington.

Originair chief executive Robert Inglis said the company was looking forward to developing business and leisure travel to the West Coast.

“The initial flight schedule reflects current passenger demand, but we are prepared to increase services… as the region’s needs evolve.”

This route was previously operated by Sounds Air.

Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford said the decision to suspend flights to Wellington/Westport was “an unfortunate result driven by the same issues that continue to impact Air New Zealand’s domestic and international operations”.

Air New Zealand abandoned the route in 2016.