Kiwi Regional Airlines announces low regional airfares

Kiwi Regional Airlines has announced the start today (Monday 24 August) of its 'Celebration airfare special', with the lowest regional fares in the country available on every Kiwi flight. Starting on the 28th October this year - Kiwi's second day of scheduled services* - and running through to the end of January (with the exception of the two weeks up to and including Christmas) one-way fares for direct flights will start from $79*.

Passengers on the Dunedin-Queenstown, Queenstown-Dunedin, Dunedin-Nelson, Nelson-Dunedin, Hamilton-Nelson and Nelson-Hamilton routes will all be able to pick up a $79 fare for flights on any day or time in the schedule.

Anyone flying on flights connecting through Dunedin or Nelson: Queenstown-Nelson, Nelson-Queenstown, Hamilton-Dunedin or Dunedin-Hamilton will also benefit from low one-way fares of $119.

Kiwi Chief Executive Ewan Wilson said the special fares were put on offer "to celebrate the purchase and completion of painting of our new SAAB 340A aircraft in Europe, and to promote our commitment to providing a good deal for regional New Zealand."

"This is not about competing with Air New Zealand or Jetstar, who don't fly direct services between the centres we service, it is about celebrating a key milestone in our company's development."

"Even on the busy days of the week, or times of the day, if you are quick enough you will be able to get a seat for $79. And our other, more flexible fares, also represent a good deal for the region to region traveller."

*Subject to regulatory approval, and available seats in the class not being sold out.

Kiwi Regional Airlines reveals prices for Nelson flights

Kiwi Regional Airlines has revealed the prices for its first flights to and from Nelson.

The airline's online and telephone booking system went live on Wednesday.

Kiwi Regional Airlines will start scheduled flights on October 27, subject to regulatory approval, servicing Dunedin, Queenstown, Nelson and Hamilton.

According to its website, a direct flight from Nelson to Dunedin return on October 28 will cost $194 each way.

Nelson to Hamilton will cost $184, while the return flight is listed at $139.

Nelson to Queenstown is $134 and Queenstown to Nelson is $194.

Prices are subject to change but provide an early insight into what customers might expect to pay for the new service, which aims to fill gaps in the domestic flight market.

"Fares on Kiwi flights will be completely transparent, with no unexpected add-ons," chief executive Ewan Wilson said.

"What you see on your computer or phone screen will be what you are charged.

Mr Wilson said children, aged two to 15, will have seats booked at 75 per cent of the applicable fare so long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

This is a much more family-friendly policy than travellers will have seen recently," he said.

"We are the only ones offering a child discount, and the only ones extending the child age until they turn 16."

 - Stuff

First Originair flights between Nelson and Palmerston to take off today

Yesterday Originair Took its first flights between Nelson and Palmerston North, with celebrations planned at both airports. Since announcing its planned routes in June for both the Nelson – Palmerston North and Nelson – Wellington routes, Originair has refitted its 19-seat British Aerospace Jetstream to a high specification, airport check-in counters have been built, and a team of experienced crew and customer service employed.

Managing Director Robert Inglis says he is pleased the first day has finally arrived.

“This has been in the planning since the end of last year, so we are very pleased that today has arrived and passengers can now fly direct between Nelson and Palmerston North again,” Inglis says. “We have had great support from our partners and the regions’ communities to get us here today, and have a fantastic Originair team in place – we are ready to fly.

“Our partnerships with both the Nelson and Palmerston North airports are also very strong, and we want to thank them for welcoming us to their airports and arranging celebrations for our first flights today. We are looking forward to the day.”

Background:

• Company: Origin Air Ltd (Originair) established 2015. Managing Director, Robert Inglis. General Manager, Mike Curry.
• Fleet: two twin-turbo prop pressurized 19-seater Jetstreams by British Aerospace crewed by two pilots.
• Flight operations: Freightways Limited Group, Air Freight NZ Ltd (Air Freight).
• Fleet maintenance: Fieldair Engineering Ltd (Fieldair).
• Website: www.originair.nz

Media Enquiries:

Emma Thompson, emma@etcnz.nz, 021 190 1533

Air New Zealand's Nelson price cut flies under the radar - $59

Air New Zealand has dropped its lowest consistent airfare prices to $59 between Nelson and other main centres from October, but the lowered cost seems to have flown under the radar for some. Its lowest fares from Nelson to Auckland, Wellington and Christchuch are currently priced around $79 (excluding special deals), but from around October 12, prices have dropped to $59 to fly one-way. The $59 fare is relatively consistent for many dates in October, November and December.

The airline has been much-criticised for its high regional airfares, and the lowered price comes in response to the recent announcement of at least two new airlines flying out from Nelson Airport.

Originair's first flight to Palmerston North takes off on Wednesday, and while Air New Zealand dropped that route earlier this year, Originair also intends to fly an existing Air New Zealand route from Nelson to Wellington starting in September.

Nelson resident Richard Wilson saw the changes in the flight prices after scouring ahead in the Air New Zealand booking website.

"Normally they make a bit of fanfare of advertising about it but they seem to have kept it below the radar."

He said those sorts of fares were "unheard of in recent years".

Air New Zealand said the reason for lowering the price was because they had invested in more than $300 million in new regional aircraft, giving scope to grow in capacity.

"This allows us to put more cheap seats into the market and we are pleased to see customers responding positively to this," said Air New Zealand spokesperson Janna Wilkinson.

Jetstar also announced it was considering Nelson to be a regional destination, and is expected to confirm whether they will commit to the region in September.

Kiwi Regional Airlines also recently announced they would start a direct route between Nelson and Hamilton and Nelson and Dunedin at the end of September.

Stuff

Originair sneak peak

https://youtu.be/PT70aRunlLc

VIDEO: Originair Sneak Peek

The first of Originair’s BAe Jetstream 32 aircrafts is being fitted out with all the bells and whistles as the interior installation is finalised this afternoon.

The team working on the Originair fit-out: National Aircraft Interiors’ Brent Hill and Eddie Field, front, with RepairCraft’s Matt Ashton, back. PHOTO: Jacob Chandler

Nelson based company National Aircraft Interiors were given the contract to custom design the seats and parts of the interior of the aircraft along with RepairCraft who perform line maintenance on the fleet.

Originally built in the late 80s the aircraft required an extensive refit with new padded leather seats, yellow detailing and carpet installed in the plane.

The plane has 19 seats in a 2×1 off-set configuration. It’s flown by two pilots and features a pressurised cabin and twin turbo prop engines

Robert Inglis and partner Nicki Smith founded Originair this year in an effort to directly link Nelson, Palmerston North, and Wellington. The inaugural flight will be held on August 12.

Nelson working to woo Jetstar

Nelson is pulling out all the stops to impress Jetstar in a bid to bring the low-fare airline to the region. Nelson airport chief executive officer Rob Evans said a final proposal for Jetstar to consider flying to Nelson would be sent at the end of the week. He believed Nelson posed a "good business case" to the airline.

Jetstar conducted a roadshow across New Zealand visiting seven potential regions to fly from. Of the seven, the airline will pick four terminals, with flights commencing in December this year.

A social media campaign encouraging people from each region to prove why their destination is best has evoked plenty of involvement from Nelsonians who have commented on a Facebook post by the airline asking what there is to do in Nelson.

Janice Feyen suggested an action-packed day, starting with breakfast at the Boatshed then taking the ferry trip across the Haven to climb the lighthouse, followed by some op-shopping, then fish and chips and a walk on the Boulder Bank, "it's wild and beautiful."

Julie Maslin-Caradus wrote: "High tea on the veranda at Melrose House, a beautiful restored historic building situated in gorgeous gardens."

The post has over 260 comments including descriptions and pictures of the region.

Evans said Nelson Airport was also "engaging on Facebook" to drive Nelson's campaign further. https://www.facebook.com/NelsonAirport300

Photo - Martin de Ruyter Rob Evans Nelson Airport CEO at Nelson Airport.

- Stuff

Nelson Airports growth - interview with Rob Evans CEO

http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/business/bus-mnr-20150706-0653-nelson_airport_growth_aims_to_double-048.mp3

Jetstar CEO a Nelson man too

Nelson air travellers have been celebrating since the news of Jetstar’s possible arrival – one in particular. Jetstar CEO Grant Kerr lives in Richmond with his family and, after time as CEO of Air Nelson, knows exactly what the region will offer to Jetstar. But he says he won’t let local loyalties sway his decision about which centres to fly to.

“We can’t have an airline just for me to fly to work. Is it commercially viable? That’s the question, but I don’t see anything negative with Nelson at this point,” he told Nelson Weekly last week after spending last Thursday speaking with regional stakeholders, including Nelson Airport CEO Rob Evans, both mayors and the tourism and business industries.

“The conversations that we’ve had have been very encouraging and they understand what a low cost carrier will do for the region, the benefits. Nelson has put forward a great case, we’ve certainly been impressed. I think they’ve done the region proud for the work they’ve prepared in such a short period of time.”

Jetstar announced two weeks ago that it would be flying to four provincial centres, out of a possible seven towns. Since then, they’ve been travelling to those seven centres to gauge support.

Grant says, when looking at new destinations, Jetstar will look at driving growth.

“It’s got to be sustainable for us. It’s not about coming in and taking a piece of the pie, it’s about driving that growth. It’s also about gaining an understanding about how much support there is in that region. The key for us is ‘do we think we can develop and grow a partnership with that region?”

He says Jetstar’s announcement is a “game-changer” and Nelsonians could see up to a 40 per cent drop in prices. “People in the Nelson region have a very high propensity to fly. This will open up the opportunity to fly more often.”

Jetstar will make their decision about where to fly in September, with flights starting in December.

Andrew Board

Nelson Weekly

July 1st, 2015

Jetstar comes to Nelson - TV3 media clip

TV3 Jetstar clip  

Radio NZ interview with Grant Kerr for Jetstar to Nelson

http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/business/bus-mnr-20150630-0652-jetstar_insists_its_nz_expansion_plans_are_about_growing-048.mp3  

Nelson bid to lure Jetstar to region

Grant Kerr, head of Jetstar New Zealand, says establishing which regions would produce the highest growth in travel will be the key to the airline's decision.

Nelson has made an "encouraging" bid to Jetstar to bring the low-cost airline to the region.

Jetstar New Zealand head Grant Kerr consulted with Nelson airport, council and other organisations' representatives on Thursday as part of a seven-stop roadshow in regions across New Zealand. Jetstar will chose four of the seven regions to operate their fleet of five domestic aircraft from December.

Kerr said Nelson had encouraging factors which made the region appeal to the airline, particularly because of the enthusiasm shown by council representatives and the community.

"The support and eagerness has been encouraging," said Kerr.

"Also as a region [Nelson has] a very good understanding of the low-cost airline model and how that can bring growth to the region."

Kerr met Nelson MP Nick Smith, Nelson mayor Rachel Reese, Tasman mayor Richard Kempthorne, Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans, Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dot Kettle and representatives from Nelson Tasman Tourism to gauge a view on what the airline would bring to the region.

Jetstar will also be taking the roadshow to Invercargill, Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier and Palmerston North over the next few weeks.

Kerr said establishing which regions would produce the highest growth in travel by introducing the competing airline was going to be key in making the decision.

"Nelson's total catchment area has a population of about 100,000 with about 800,000 travelling through [Nelson Airport] annually. If Nelson is a [Jetstar] destination we would increase that number considerably," he said.

Kerr did not disclose price points or how many additional flights the airline would introduce to the region. A schedule would be developed after the four regions were chosen. However, he said Jetstar guaranteed the lowest fare which would ultimately reduce average airfare costs while it competed with Air New Zealand, which currently operates out of Nelson.

"We know that whenever we enter into the market we've seen average airfares drop by approximately 40 per cent. We know that works," he said.

The introduction of Jetstar into the four regional terminals is expected to bring about 100 extra jobs to New Zealand.

Evans believes Nelson has "as good a chance as any" to welcome Jetstar to the region.

"We have a strong aviation footprint now and a good tourism product. I think we are very high on [Jetstar's] list of priorities," he said.

Jetstar would be the sixth airline to take off from Nelson's airport terminal. Originair announced on Thursday its intention to fly from Nelson to Wellington and Palmerston North.

Welcoming the additional airlines meant a terminal upgrade was becoming more pertinent, said Evans.

"At the moment we are very constrained so we will have to do something in the short term to accommodate [the foot traffic]," he said.

A short term development plan, including a car park upgrade and additional counters within the terminal, was in place which would roll out over the next six to 12 months.

"We will be geared up and ready [for additional airlines], It will be a tight time frame but that's okay," he said.

A long term development plan was also in the works, but Evans said there were no definite plans on whether the existing terminal would be expanded or whether an entirely new terminal would be built.

Nelson MP Nick Smith also met with Kerr on Thursday to outline the benefits of operating a regional air service from Nelson.

Smith was optimistic about Nelson being chosen as one of the four regional terminals Jetstar would operate from.

"Nelson has a distinct advantage in that we are a growing area, we have excellent airport facilities and the weather means it is rare to have disruptions in the air," said Smith. "I made those points as strongly as I could to Jetstar."

Smith said there was a need for airline competition in Nelson, particularly for small businesses looking for a base in Nelson.

"There has been a reduction in the number of consultancy businesses in Nelson since we have only had a single airline," he said.

"People basing businesses in Nelson to produce a niche service [to serve nationally] are very dependent on airlines."

He said competitive airfares were central to creating a viable business model that could operate nationally.

Mayor Rachel Reese said introducing any new airline would enable more businesspeople, tourists and residents easier access to the city.

She said Nelson posed a good business case to Jetstar with significant interest from both the business and tourism sectors to provide new routes and extended services.

"So that bodes well for the city," she said.

The four chosen regions from Jetstar are expected to be announced "reasonably quickly," said Kerr, with the first regional flights going on sale in September.

JESS PULLAR Last updated 11:13, June 26 2015

- Stuff

Regional centres vie for Jetstar's affections

 Jetstar has begun a regional road show to select up to four new destinations for its domestic flight network.

Today, Nelson makes its bid to attract the airline.

Nelson Airport CEO Rob Evans is meeting with Jetstar executives this morning and says Nelson has a strong business case with a large tourism market, plenty of niche businesses and a growing commuter population.

He's optimistic a new player in the market could result in a 30-40 percent discount on airfares for passengers, at least in the short term.

Nelson airport handles 800,000 passengers each year, with 60 in- and out-bound flights every day. The airport's already served by Air New Zealand, Sounds Air and Air 2 There.

Local MP Nick Smith says Nelson's the fastest growing region outside of Auckland.

Rob Evans would like to see Jetstar fly between Nelson and main trunk destinations Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, ideally up two to three times per day.

He couldn't quantify the economic value of having Jetstar fly to Nelson, but says it would be significant.

Other centres vying for Jetstar services are Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North and Invercargill.

Jetstar has indicated it will make its decision in September, with the first flights to begin operation on December 1.

3 News

By Emma Jolliff

Reporter

Thursday 25 Jun 2015 10:27 a.m

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/business/regional-centres-vie-for-jetstars-affections-2015062510#ixzz3e7VOJVnV

New airline Originair set to go

Originair will fly between Nelson and Palmerston North from August 12 and Nelson-Wellington from September 10. supplied Originair will fly between Nelson and Palmerston North from August 12 and Nelson-Wellington from September 10.

Nelson skies will become more crowded as a sixth airline, Originair, is set to take off.

Originair - established by Robert Inglis who founded Air Nelson then ran Origin Pacific Airways which collapsed in 2006 - will fly Nelson-Wellington and Nelson-Palmerston North.

His move comes as Qantas-owned Jetstar's roadshow is in Nelson on Thursday as it presses ahead with plans to start regional flights from DecemberNelson is one of the seven regional centres it is considering operating from. It will choose at least four. The Jetstar regional fares will go on sale in September.

Originair founder Robert Inglis.

Kiwi Regional Airlines announced on Wednesday that it will start on September 27, flying direct between Nelson and Hamilton, and Nelson and Dunedin, as well as between Dunedin and Queenstown.

The newcomers will join Air New Zealand as well as smaller airlines Sounds Air and air2there which service Nelson.

Originair will pick up the Nelson to Palmerston North direct route that Air NZ dumped in April. Kiwi Regional had intended to fly that route but instead will fly direct Nelson to Hamilton.

Originair's head office has opened this week in Achilles Ave in central Nelson and the airline will employ up to 20 staff in Nelson and Palmerston North by take-off. Inglis owns Inglis Aircraft Ltd and the new Originair fleet will consist of two 19-seat Jetstreams, one of which had been leased to Vincent Aviation then LifeFlight.

Inglis described its move as ``modest". "This isn't Ben Hur, it's a very small operation," he said. "We own the eqipment, we're not exposed to a lot of risk with exchange rates, we have operated this route and know it well. Hopefully we're just offering Nelson people another choice."

Originair's standard fares for Nelson-Wellington would go from $129 through a range to $257 for a flexi fully refundable fare, and for Nelson Palmerston North from $169 to $289. Specials would be offered from time to time, he said.

The Nelson-Palmerston North and Nelson-Wellington routes were a return to the service he and Nicki Smith first started in the 1980s, and this was an 80/20 venture between them.

"As a small regional airline we are really pleased to be able to offer the direct flights that the Nelson and Manawatu regions have said they need and appreciate," said Inglis. "We are also pleased to offer travellers to and from Wellington more peak-time flights to the capital.

"We are experienced airline operators and have the aircraft and systems to service these routes," he said. "We have been working hard since December to be ready to fly between Nelson and Palmerston North by August 12.

"Our twin-turbo prop pressurised 19-seater planes, operated with a two pilot crew, are the right gauge for these links and are aircraft that regional passengers are used to flying in. Because of this, we believe the transition to our service from Air New Zealand's former service will be easy for people."

Inglis did not see the arrival of Jetstar to the region as an issue. "I imagine they are interested in the core routes from Nelson and provincial airports to the Auckland gateway. I'm quite sure they are not interested in Nelson-Palmerston North."

He saw Kiwi Regional Airlines as focusing on the tourist market, and said he did not have a relationship with its chief executive Ewan Wilson.

Nelson Airport is in the process of planning the redevelopment of its terminal, and chief excutive Rob Evans said the establishment of a new airline was another great news story for Nelson.

"Having Originair here will be fantastic for Nelson by offering more availability for inbound and outbound passengers on a direct route to Palmerston North supporting both business and leisure travellers," Evans said. "There are some great synergies between both catchment regions to really take advantage of what's on offer. More choice for travellers to Wellington will also be welcomed by Nelsonians.

"Robert Inglis is a true aviation entrepreneur with wonderful vision and dedication in a very volatile industry," he said.

Nelson Region Economic Development Agency chief executive Bill Findlater said he supported the addition of a new regional airline for Nelson. "Gaining back the direct regional Nelson to Palmerston North route gives Nelsonians an important link to central North Island. Any initiative that provides more regional services for Nelson has to be a good thing."

Nelson mayor Rachel Reese also welcomed OriginAir flying to and from Nelson. "We already have significant interest from both the business and tourism sectors for new routes and extended services. Any new airline will only help increase capacity and opportunity for people to come to our beautiful city.

"We look forward to working with Robert and the OriginAir team to support the long term growth of travellers to our region."

Originair will not directly employ the flight crew. Inglis said that due to the relatively small scale of the proposed operation he had collaborated with two companies from the Freightways Ltd Group, Air Freight NZ Ltd (Air Freight) and Fieldair Engineering Ltd (Fieldair), to carry out flight operations and fleet maintenance respectively. Both Air Freight and Fieldair had decades of relevant aviation experience and would provide the airline with a high quality service and allow Originair's core team to focus on its marketing and customer service, he said.

"Our website and reservation system is already live so people can book their flights today at www.Originair.nz," Inglis said.

How much?

Air fare, Nelson to Wellington, September 10

Air NZ: $69-$174

Originair: $129-$257

Sounds Air: $120

air2there (to Paraparaumu): $149

Jetstar: unknown, fares go on sale September, first flights December

Kiwi Regional: starts September 27 but not to Wellington.

About Robert Inglis

Robert Inglis started Air Nelson in 1979 with Nicki Smith. Air New Zealand purchased 50 per cent of the airline in 1988, then the total shareholding in 1996 and still operates it today. Inglis and Smith then went on to start Origin Pacific Airways in 1996 as a feeder airline for Qantas. It went into liquidation in 2006 after Qantas' Jet Connect cancelled a contract that resulted in Origin losing 60 per cent of its business. Now Nelson-based Inglis is a director of Inglis Aircraft Ltd and the owner of Northwood Hop Co and Northwood Wines.

Flight schedule

* Originair Nelson / Wellington winter schedule from September 10

Nelson to Wellington Wellington to Nelson

Monday to Friday 7.30am 8.40am

5pm 6.10pm

Saturday 10.40am 11.50am

Sunday 1.40pm 2.50pm

* Originair Nelson / Palmerston North winter schedule from August 12

Nelson to Palmerston North Palmerston North to Nelson

Monday to Friday 9.50am 11.20am

2.20pm 3.40pm

Saturday 8am 9.20am

Sunday 4.10pm 5.30pm

LAURA BASHAM

Last updated 11:06, June 25 2015

- Stuff

Kiwi Regional Airlines names start date and routes

Kiwi Regional Airlines executives from left Peter Ashford, Ewan Wilson and Bill Wilson with a Saab 340 aircraft. supplied Kiwi Regional Airlines executives from left Peter Ashford, Ewan Wilson and Bill Wilson with a Saab 340 aircraft.

New air service Kiwi Regional Airlines has announced the routes it will fly with its first aircraft and a start date.

It will run its first passenger service on September 27, and each day will start with a return Dunedin-Queenstown flight, says its chief executive, Ewan Wilson.

The aircraft, a SAAB 340A 32-seat twin-engine turboprop model, will then fly mid-morning to Nelson direct from Dunedin, a route that has not been flown previously by a scheduled service, but which it says connects the country's premier fishing industry ports, and the two largest South Island cities outside Christchurch.

Kiwi Regional Airlines has announced the first four routes it will operate daily, from September 27. Supplied Kiwi Regional Airlines has announced the first four routes it will operate daily, from September 27.

From Nelson, Kiwi will fly return to Hamilton in the middle of the day. It says this refreshes a connection flown by thousands of passengers annually on both Origin Pacific and Air New Zealand until 2008. The former, however, used 19-seater planes, Wilson said.

"We believe with us operating it in better-fit aircraft, it's a very economical way of capturing the market."

The flight then returns from Nelson to Dunedin mid-afternoon, before repeating the Dunedin-Queenstown return flight in the early evening.

Wilson said he was "very pleased at the progress Kiwi is making".

"Our Civil Aviation Authority certification is well under way, key personnel have been appointed, airports are being negotiated with, aircraft purchase steps are nearing fruition and now we have finalised our first route.

"Our route is an exciting one, different from all other airlines, and we expect will be well-supported by the communities it serves."

Kiwi intends to add a second aircraft, and additional routes, within the next 12 months, he said.

Kiwi produced a draft flight route proposal in February that suggested an Auckland-Hamilton link was on the cards, but Wilson has said Kiwi won't compete with Jetstar and Air NZ.

"Air NZ continues to service Auckland [from Hamilton] until early next year, our position may change once they have departed the scene, but we're taking a very conservative approach."

Wilson said the great news for Hamilton was the three sets of crew who will initially staff the plane, will be based in Hamilton, bringing nine jobs to the city.

Three "highly experienced" captains, three first officers and three flight attendants will join the team, Wilson said.

Two captain positions had been filled already and the third was yet to be filled, he said.

"Our approach to first officers will be to embrace recent graduates - we have a great relationship with Ardmore [Flying School, in Papakura]."

Wilson said Kiwi hoped to have tickets on sale online from mid-late July, with a link to an online booking system from the Kiwi website.

RACHEL THOMAS

Last updated 17:59, June 24 2015

- Stuff

'Pick me' - Nelson gets its first chance to convince Jetstar to fly to the regio

Jetstar's roadshow will be in Nelson on Thursday.

Nelson will have its first chance this week to convince Jetstar to fly here.

On Thursday, Jetstar NZ head Grant Kerr, along with the airline's airports team and government relations team, will be in Nelson to meet airport, council and other organisations' representatives. Nelson will be the first centre as its "roadshow" visits its shortlist of seven regional centres the airline is considering flying to.

Qantas-owned Jetstar announced last week it plans to fly at least four initial regional centres and is considering Nelson, Invercargill, Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier and Palmerston North.

A Jetstar spokesman said the decision would come down to commercial viability. "It's very much about being here for the long term."

The roadshow was being run because Jetstar was interested in hearing from local communities and getting their feedback on what their issues were and why they didn't fly often, he said.

Nelson people can also use social media to have their say in wooing the low-cost airline to the region.

Jetstar was getting a lot of comments on its facebook page with people telling them where they would like it to fly to, he said. "Some people would like to visit their grandkids more often. It's a great way to get feedback, to get people to give real live examples."

Jetstar was also looking to the regions to make links easier to its international connections in the main centres. "It's about people travelling out as well as people coming in."

The roadshow team would be talking to airport managers and mayors about their perceptions of demand in their area, its operational needs, space at airports, tourism numbers and what opportunities they saw in the future.

"It's also about costs. We can offer low fares if we have low costs," he said.

Infometrics senor economist Benje Patterson said the seven centres on Jetstar's shortlist would need to put significant emphasis on building a strong business case to entice the airline to their region.

"Although Jetstar has hinted that landing fees will form part of the decision-making process, underlying consumer and business demand for the service will certainly be the more important determinants.

"To convince Jetstar of this demand, cities must build up a strong business case and do so quickly, because everyone is competing head-to-head with one another," said Patterson.

Nelson Airport and Nelson Tasman Tourism heads said last week they would be working on a strong business case with other key organisations to put to Jetstar.

Nelson MP Nick Smith said he was hugely encouraged by the prospect of other airlines offering services to Nelson.

"Nelson is more dependent on air travel than most centres because of the five-hour distance by road to Christchurh and the six-hour including ferry trip to Wellington," he said.

It was also a real opportunity for Nelson's visitor industry to get more travellers to come to Nelson, he said.

"We also need to acknowledge Air New Zealand is a substantial investor in Nelson with its engineering base. My hope would be to see a strong expansion of its aircraft prop maintenance while also seeing a little bit of competitiion to ensure our travellers who depend on air travel can get a better deal."

Nelson is also set to become the pilot and crew hub for newcomer Kiwi Regional Airlines which announced in February plans for regular seven-day a week flights between Nelson and Queenstown, Palmerston North, Hamilton and Tauranga by the end of the year.

Its chief executive, Ewan Wilson, said although they'd heard the rumour late last year that Jetstar was looking at regional opening the timing of the announcement had been a surprise. "We think it's great news for the travelling public. It's absolutely superb.

"We don't think it will affect us at all. We believe with our schedule and route network it will be complementary, although there's still the question of what their route will be."

Jetstar was very much targeting Air New Zealand, said Wilson. ``We believe we will be in a unique position we will focus on region to region."

Air NZ and Jetsar were both well resourced and capable airlines. "As a first round there will be some great airfares," said Wilson.

Kiwi Regional Airlines had bought its first Saab aircraft and would make an announcement about that this week, he said.

On air fares, he said it would be the first airline to offer child fares up to and including 16, while other airlines charged an adult fare from 11.

Kiwi Regional filed its licence application to the Civil Aviation Authority two weeks ago and expects it will take three to four months to process.

- Stuff

LAURA BASHAM Last updated 07:57, June 23 2015

Jetstar for Nelson? Bring it on

A mock-up image of a 50-seat Bombardier Q300 turbo-prop aircraft in Jetstar livery.

A lobbying campaign to bring Jetstar to Nelson is already being planned, following its announcement to bring low fares to the regions.

Qantas-owned Jetstar plans to start flying 50-seat Bombardier Q300 turbo-pro aircraft to at least four initial regional destinations. Centres being considered are Nelson, Invercargill, Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier and Palmerston North.

Jetstar has launched a social media campaign asking customers which regions they most want serviced and the airline will go on a two-month roadshow to determine which destinations to choose.

A mock-up image of a 50-seat Bombardier Q300 turbo-prop aircraft in Jetstar livery. A mock-up image of a 50-seat Bombardier Q300 turbo-prop aircraft in Jetstar livery.

Regional fares will go on sale in September with the first flights taking off in early December, in time for the busy summer and holiday season, the airline said.

Nelson Airport and Nelson Tasman Tourism are already planning to woo Jetstar with a strong business case for it to select Nelson.

"I think it's wonderful," Nelson Airport chief executive Robert Evans said of Jetstar's move. "It's the game changer the regions have been looking for, for many years."

It means Nelson could soon have five airlines - Air New Zealand, Sounds Air, Air2there, Jetstar and Kiwi Regional - making it much more competitive.

Nelson Tasman Tourism chief executive Lynda Keene said that in partnership with Nelson Airport it would be keen to help lobby to bring Jetstar to Nelson.

``We attract the seventh highest number of visitors, domestic and international, so it makes sense to make use of us as a central point between the regional network and make links with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch," she said.

It would help build Nelson's profile as a great region to visit, including in the shoulder months, she said. "It's a really good option for growth of visitor numbers."

Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce, who joined Prime Minister John Key to make the announcement in Auckland, said the time was right to bring Jetstar's low fares to the regions.

"When Jetstar brought low fares to New Zealand's key routes six years ago it completely transformed the market in terms of value and now we'll do the same for regional New Zealand.

"The community has been calling out for more choice and lower fares on regional routes in New Zealand because there's a lack of competition.

"We're answering that call by launching Jetstar flights to regional New Zealand, making air travel more affordable for people who live outside the main centres and boosting tourism and the economies of these areas.

"These new regional destinations will connect with the broader Qantas Group network, including both Qantas and Jetstar flying across the Tasman, to make these parts of New Zealand more accessible to international travellers," said Joyce.

A factor that could be in Nelson's favour to be chosen by Jetstar is that the airline's New Zealand head Grant Kerr was previously Air Nelson's general manager. . He won $60,000 in costs from Air NZ in an employment battle, after it tried to keep him from starting his new job for six months. Kerr has headed Jetstar New Zealand for two years.

Evans said he believed Jetstar's selection decision would come down to the market size and yield.

Nelson Airport, NTT and the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency would need to get together to build a business case and make a strong pitch to Jetstar, he said. "It's got to be a consolidated effort. It will be competitive and we can present the best opportunity to them."

Evans was in Wellington at a meeting about the redevelopment of Nelson Airport's terminal when he heard news of Jetstar's announcement. He said it was timely as it would need to consider changes such as passenger volumes and check-in counters.

Jetstar's move comes as newcomer Kiwi Regional Airlines is also preparing to launch its services around New Zealand, including Nelson. It hopes to start flying at the end of this year or start of next year.

In February it announced plans for regular seven-day a week flights between Nelson and Queenstown, Palmerston North, Hamilton and Tauranga.

Its chief executive and director is Ewan Wilson, founder of the defunct budget airline Kiwi Air. He has said that rather than competing directly with Air NZ it planned to complement existing services, filling in the gaps.

LAURA BASHAM

Last updated 10:24, June 19 2015

- Stuff

Jetstar asks Kiwis which regional routes it should fly to

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announces Jetstar is to fly to New Zealand's regional centres.

Jetstar says regional fares could be slashed by 40 per cent when its breaks Air New Zealand monopoly on the routes at the end of the year.

Jetstar, which is the budget arm of Qantas, announced on Thursday it would begin flying to four regional centres using a fleet of five 50-seat Bombardier Q300 turbo-prop aircraft.

Regional fares will go on sale in September with the first flights taking off in early December.

                                                                             Andrew Gorrie

 Jetstar will add regional services to its existing main trunk jet routes. Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson and Invercargill were all being considered as options.

Jetstar has also launched a social media campaign asking customers which regions they most want serviced and airline will go on a two month roadshow to determine which destinations to choose the winners.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said Jetstar entering regional routes would bring much-needed competition and cheaper fares to those outside the country's main centres.

 LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff.co.nz

Airport terminal plans take off - Nelson Weekly

Nelsonians love to fly and the new head of the region’s airport says he is determined to give the region an airport to be proud of.

Nelson Airport’s new CEO Rob Evans was appointed to the role in December, and he says it’s an exciting time to be appointed with a major expansion project of the airport terminal now underway.

Last week, Studio Pacific Architects and Impact Project Management were appointed to the airport’s redevelopment project, a key step, says Rob.

“It’s a good step. The reality is these things take time. It could be a year before we start building and two to three years before it will be finished, but it’s important that we consult as we go.”

The new terminal will be planned to cope with growth for the next 20 years and Rob says it will include more space, better amenities, better toilets, a bigger Air New Zealand lounge, more efficient check-in and more retailers. He says the car parking at the airport also needs to be sorted but he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s a fantastic time to be in the region, there’s quite a positive feel about the place and it’s pretty buoyant. This business itself is in a good place. So it’s a great time to be here and I’ve got three to five years of fun ahead of me.”

With Kiwi Regional Airlines announcing they will be basing their crew in Nelson and with Sounds Air’s continued growth, Rob says the region is well supported.

“In terms of airline companies, the more the merrier, but they need to be profitable. The good thing with KRA is that they’ve said they’ll stick to routes not serviced by Air New Zealand, so that will mean we’ll be getting new markets, new routes and new passengers as opposed to just cannibalising existing routes. Air New Zealand has a huge importance here and we need to work closely with them.”

With a forecast 760,000 people flying in or out of Nelson Airport next year, Rob says passenger numbers will continue to grow.

“It’s important to remember that people don’t fly to an airport. But we have a vested interest in airlines filling up their planes like they do. “Fortunately, we have a really fantastic tourism product, it’s a great part of the world and quite beautiful really.”

ANDREW BOARD

Nelson Airport appoints Wellington 'leaning tower' architects for redevelopment - Nelson Mail

Nelson Airport has appointed Studio Pacific Architects to its redevelopment project - the same firm that came up with a leaning tower design for the control tower at Wellington International Airport.

The airport company announced last year that it had begun a review of its facilities and was looking to expand its terminal.

Now it has appointed Wellington-based firms Studio Pacific Architects and Impact Project Management to the redevelopment project.

The public will have to wait and see what design they come up with.

Studio Pacific Architecture's design for Airways New Zealand's new control tower at Wellington International Airport has been publicly released and planning consent is being sought for the the building that appears to be leaning into Wellington's prevailing northerly wind.

Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans, who was appointed to the job last December, said there was nothing in its brief about coming up with an iconic design and the first three months would be assessing the current terminal, then it would be a case of looking at aspirational needs and what it could afford.

"The architects have done some extremely iconic and creative structures but it has also done flexible and affordable architectural designs. We are looking to retain a bit of local feel and we would like to open the view across to Golden Bay."

A prime factor would be the cost. "What we build will be what we can afford," he said.

He said the project design brief would take into account customer feedback from research undertaken late last year and the airport management team's strategic planning.

The redevelopment comes as Air New Zealand expands its engineering maintenance at Nelson Airport, and the new Kiwi Regional Airlines plans to make Nelson its hub.

"We are developing for future growth at the airport," said Evans. "Air New Zealand's recent and welcome announcement of its Regional Maintenance subsidiary in Nelson is another key platform for growth, and we are also working closely with Kiwi Regional Airlines to ensure the required facilities are available for a successful start for its business."

He describes Nelson as one of New Zealand's most important regional aviation hubs.

However, the airport company has stopped describing itself as ``the fourth busiest commercial airport in New Zealand". It has deleted from its website the claim: ``This is New Zealand's fourth busiest commercial airport, serving over 800,000 passengers per year".

Evans said the claim was ambiguous, did not mean a lot, and confused people.

Nelson and Invercargill are the only airports without passenger numbers listed on Wikipedia's list of the busiest airports in New Zealand. It lists Nelson Airport as sixth busiest last year.

Evans said Air New Zealand had stopped providing data on passenger numbers last year so it did not have correct numbers, but would resume supplying figures from next month.

The airport company's analysis estimated the arrival and departure of 760,000 passengers last year and forecast to reach 1.1 million during the next 20 years. It is forecasting 35,000 commercial aircraft movements this year, with that number expected to reach about 39,000 in 2034.

"We are committed to listening to community ideas and concerns and we will be working to provide ways for people to become more informed about and involved in airport activities, projects and achievements during the coming months," said Evans.

LAURA BASHAM

Nelson Airport Eyes Big Growth - Nelson Mail

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Big things for the small Nelson Airport complex are in the works as new chief executive Rob Evans gets comfortable in his new role.

"It's the best job in aviation in New Zealand," said Evans.

"There is a great opportunity for growth not just for the airport but for the region."

Evans, who started his role as new chief executive last week, said the airport was currently well run but was getting dated.

"We've got constrained, particularly in peak times and it's tired. It needs increased space to meet the growing demand," he said.

This demand was coming from many channels. An increase in tourists visiting the region had contributed and steady business from Auckland was another factor, said Evans.

"Auckland is a real growth opportunity. It's the gateway to New Zealand from a tourism perspective, more flights to Auckland is a big opportunity," he said.

About nine flights come each way between Nelson and Auckland daily. Evans said there was also potential for Christchurch and Queenstown airport links to grow the market.

He intends to strengthen these links by working closely with Nelson Tasman Tourism and other New Zealand airports to gain as much exposure for the region and Nelson Airport as possible.

Redevelopments are also in the works, including expanding parking facilities and bringing new businesses to the complex.

The building complies with current earthquake standards, but Evans will assess whether to restrengthen or rebuild parts of the complex.

"We are going to look at the options in the next few months. It will come down to meeting the demands of the growth in customers," said Evans.

His past experiences were a contributing factor to his appointment of chief executive. He worked at Cairns Airport for seven years where he played a part in organising its expansion to cater to growing demand.

He also worked for Mackay Airport in Queensland, a smaller airport not unlike Nelson's.

"It is similar in that it is quite isolated and reliant on air access," he said.

His experiences in Australia will be beneficial in his work to redevelop Nelson Airport, he said. He has learnt engagement with community and consulting local boards was the most efficient way to approach a redevelopment.

"I can use my past experiences in terms of how we deliver [proposals and redevelopments]," he said.

Bringing in informative displays for customers to learn more about the region is also on the list, and timely as the airport celebrated 75 years in 2013. "There is a whole opportunity to present [the region's] aviation history. I've seen some really good examples of it," he said.

"In terms of redevelopment plans [the history] is something to recognise."

Evans said Nelson Airport was well ahead of every other regional airport in New Zealand. "The passenger numbers alone show this. It punches well above its weight, it's arguably one of the best regional airports in the South Pacific."

JESS PULLAR