Originair began their service in February with three return flights a week. Photo: Supplied / Originair
- Originair cancelled its Taupō-to-Wellington service this month, leaving the central North Island town with no flight links to the capital
- The airline began flights on 17 February, with three return flights a week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- It was originally a six-month trial, after Sounds Air withdrew its Taupō-to-Wellington service
The cancellation of Taupō's only flight service to Wellington may not be for long, with hopes that another company might step in to fly the route.
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas told RNZ the area was gutted to lose its only direct route to Wellington, as without the flight, travellers had to detour through Hamilton or Auckland.
"We're extremely disappointed, as we had another airline start up with huge promises, but unfortunately, they didn't have forward booking to make it pay," he said. "We appreciate Originair giving it a go, as it's very important for the business people."
The three return flights each week were mainly used by people like the Department of Conservation, Contact Energy and Corrections. The mayor hoped Originair's axing of the route won't be the end of direct flights to the capital and said the council was actively looking at other options.
"We're just going to have to find another operator to take care of that route now," he said.
He had his sights set on Air New Zealand possibly stepping in to plug the gap.
"I had an opportunity to talk to Mr Foran of Air New Zealand last week and he certainly did not dismiss it," Trewavas said. "He was going away to talk to his team and see if it's a possibility."
Air New Zealand domestic general manager Kate O'Brien told RNZ that regional flying in New Zealand was challenging at the best of times.
"Rising costs across the aviation system are placing significant strain on all operators," she said. "Air travel is essential in a country like ours, where geography often makes flying the only practical link between communities.
"Losing an operator from any route is very impactful."
She added that, while Air New Zealand was deeply committed to serving regions across the motu, it recognised that smaller operators did an excellent job in many parts of the country.
"We're actively in discussions to explore how we might work more closely together to help maintain and strengthen regional connectivity for the long term.
"We're not currently looking at services between Wellington and Taupō, however, we regularly review our schedule to make sure it is fit for purpose and meets demand appropriately."
Taupo's mayor said he also had an eye on Air Chathams and other similar operators.
"I'm certainly contacting them all and we can do things at our end, like reducing landing fees," he said. "We have a brand spanking new terminal, which is easy to get in and out of.
"We need someone who can really last the distance."
Trewavas wanted prospective operators to know that his door was always open, and they could contact him or the council directly.
"We're ready to take any calls, and we have all the facts and figures here," he said. "Anyone will take the call that's for sure,"
'There's been a lot of chatter'
Local businessman and Taupō Airport Authority chair Chris Johnston said regular flights to Wellington were important for Taupō's business community.
"Then people can actually do a day trip to Wellington, so if it is to work, then it really does need to be an early morning flight and a return flight in the evening.
The Taupō Airport Authority suggests local industry might subsidise flights to maintain connectivity. Photo: 123rf
"For those that do have to go down, then it's just an hour's commute."
Johnston said Sounds Air and Originair struggled with the cost of flying the small planes, which put the fares up, but he was also optimistic about other ways to save the route.
"A lot of countries around the world have subsidised regional connectivity, so that has been voiced by the Airport Association for many years with the Government to see what support they can get.
"We have canvassed some of our bigger businesses around here too, like the energy sector, to see if they'd subsidise some seats, but there wasn't really the appetite," Johnston said.
He pointed to Westport as an example of where a local sector helped subsidise regional flights.
"I believe the mining industry helps underwrite some of the flights, just to keep that connectivity, so that's probably the only option for us, unless we can get a volume of people to use the plane," Johnston said.
"There's been a lot of chatter. It could be an option, but it all involves money."
The final flight from Taupō to Wellington by Originair is on 26 May and the airline said, despite their collective efforts, weak demand had resulted in the service being unsustainable.
"We believe that challenging New Zealand economic conditions have influenced the low demand," it said. "Whilst ceasing operations on the Taupō/Wellington sector, we remain committed to our mature route network."
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