Wheels up for Originair

The first of hopefully many more Originair planes took off from Woodbourne on Sunday, signifying the start of the airlines’ first Blenheim service.

Originair has now begun operation of scheduled passenger services between Blenheim and Christchurch, with the Nelson-based airline flying 18-seater British Aerospace Jetstream’s on the route.

The initial schedule sees twice daily flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with one day return flights on Monday, Friday and Sunday.

Originair’s CEO, Rob Inglis, said the airline was “pleased to be able to offer continued air connectivity on the route”, and reflected on the airline’s connections to the region.

“One of my first charters fifty years ago was bringing people to Marlborough and it was just as windy back then”, he laughed.

“We chose yellow originally for the Originair colour due to Nelson being the sunshine capital but with that title being passed over the hill to here, it’s just as appropriate for us to be here.

“Sounds Air provided a valuable service on the route for many years, and we aren’t initially able to offer the same service frequency however, with larger capacity aircraft, offer similar seat numbers.

“The Palmerston North flights, starting on Monday, have also come about from people in Blenheim often driving to Nelson for that direct connection to the Central North Island”.

Originair Operations Manager Damian King said that if the demand requires it, they’ll be able to increase local capabilities to match.

“If the flights are well supported the services could be increased next year from the conservative initial schedule and increase our crew base in Blenheim to four pilots.

“I’m pleased we have had some experienced captains locally already putting their hands up for that possibility”.