A decision by Air New Zealand to introduce flights between Auckland and Paraparaumu Airport is a major boost for the Kapiti Coast facility.
The airline announced today that subsidiary Air Nelson was to start scheduled commercial services between Auckland and the Kapiti Coast from October.
Air Nelson will operate three return services a day from Monday to Friday using its 50-seater Bombardier Q300 aircraft, with a further three return weekend services.
A total of 1800 seats would be available each week on the 70-minute route, Air New Zealand said.
Paraparaumu Airport said work was being done to improve its facilities for the new service.
Resurfacing of the main runway would start next month, with other work including the upgrading of runway lighting and navigational aids, and the introduction of further airspace safety controls.
A Kapiti Coast-themed terminal and car park is also to be built.
Airport owner Noel Robinson said he was delighted that after five years of Resource Management Act negotiations and other regulatory processes the airport redevelopment plans were now well under way.
The first stage of the airport's Kapiti Landing Business Park was on track with a Mitre10 Mega store to open in March.
"Most importantly the resumption of scheduled commercial services, which has always been the underlying objective of the airport redevelopment, is also now under way. I am absolutely thrilled that this vision for Kapiti will now become a reality," Sir Noel said.
Air Nelson general manager Grant Kerr said Paraparaumu Airport gave passengers from the Kapiti Coast a much more convenient alternative to the 45 minute drive to Wellington Airport.
"While we'll start out with 18 return Paraparaumu to Auckland services per week, we're open to expanding the schedule over time if there's demand."
The inaugural flight from Auckland to Paraparaumu would take place on Labour Day, October 24. Pricing would be announced towards the middle of the year.
NZPA
source: newshub archive
