New airline Kiwi Regional was to make its first flight from Nelson today.
The airline's SAAB 340A aircraft was scheduled to fly from Dunedin to Nelson Airport this morning and then on to Hamilton at 11.25am.
Kiwi Regional chief executive Ewan Wilson said the 30-seat aircraft would be about 50 per cent full.
"The sales have been really encouraging. The Dunedin to Nelson and Nelson to Hamilton services have lived up to our expectations," he said.
The new airline will fly direct routes from Nelson to Hamilton and Dunedin four days a week. It will also fly a direct route from Nelson to Queenstown over the winter season.
Stuff
JESS PULLAR
Last updated 08:58, October 28 2015