New Zealand / Transport

Air Chathams to meet council to discuss Kāpiti - Auckland route

12:48 pm on 12 April 2018

Kāpiti Coast District Council will meet with Air Chathams' owners today to discuss replacing the previous Air New Zealand service to Auckland.

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Air New Zealand cut its daily flights last month, leaving the future of some businesses in the area uncertain.

The national carrier had announced it was cutting the daily service in March, and faced stiff opposition from locals.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones attacked the airline last month saying it was short-changing services to the regions.

Air Chathams general manager Duane Emeny said they were hoping to decide whether they would pick up the service late next week.

Kāpiti Coast Airport has earlier said because Air Chathams' aircraft were different to those that previously operated from the airport, technical and regulatory requirements would have to be carefully considered before a decision was made.