A new small airline making its move on an Air New Zealand route

A new operator will start flying between Nelson (NSN/NZNS) and Christchurch (CHC/NZCH) from today.

Originair will begin a direct service between the two centres using its 18-seater British Aerospace aircraft and will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays.
Air New Zealand also flies the route and a press release from Christchurch Airport said Originair will “supplement the long-standing services” from the national carrier.

The small Nelson-based airline recently started flying between Blenheim and Christchurch. CEO Robert Inglis said there had been strong demand, so, “Nelson was a natural next step”.

“We know these routes provide essential regional links for both business and leisure travellers and our new Christchurch services are planned to operate at convenient peak timings on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

“They offer great opportunities for weekend breaks and full business weeks in Nelson or Christchurch.”

Gordon Bevan, Christchurch Airport’s general manager of aeronautical development, said the additional flights will strengthen links between Canterbury and the top of the South Island.

At the time of writing, the lowest one-way fare on the Orginair website for an adult from Nelson to Christchurch is $99. Air New Zealand is $148.

Originair is an airline based in Nelson, New Zealand, that operates domestic flights in New Zealand. It was founded in August 2015 by Nelson businessman Robert Inglis, who had previously founded Air Nelson. The regional airline is dedicated to connecting communities across New Zealand with convenient and reliable travel options. Destinations include Nelson, Palmerston North, Wellington, Taupo, Westport, and Hamilton.