Airports collaborate for Nelson charter flight for Art Deco Festival Napier

In a first for the region, Hawke’s Bay and Nelson airports have teamed up to create a unique Art Deco Festival charter experience, connecting the two regions for the iconic festival.

Flying direct with Originair from Nelson to Napier, the ‘Flapper Flight’ charter will depart on Friday 20 February and return Sunday 22 February, and offer reciprocal return flights for Hawke’s Bay residents, (Napier to Nelson: $675 return, available from 1 November).

Nelson Airport CEO Brendan Cook says the airport is always looking for innovative ways to support even better regional connectivity.

“This charter offers a unique opportunity for Nelson and Hawke’s Bay residents to travel quickly and easily for an incredible weekend experience. If it proves popular, we see a strong opportunity for more charter services to provide direct links between our two incredible regions.”

Hawke’s Bay Airport CEO Nick Flack says that charter package forms part of the airport’s air service development strategy, to find and fill planes with a good operational fit.

“This charter will boost awareness of the Art Deco Festival Napier and Hawke’s Bay generally as a destination in the Nelson Tasman region. Hawke’s Bay Airport connects people, business and the region, and our partnership with Nelson Airport for this charter establishes a new way of working together to build demand and awareness.

“We’re grateful for the collaboration with Nelson Airport and the support of Originair, and are pleased to see this new one-off charter come to life, the first of what we hope will be many more charters into Hawke’s Bay for events that have broad appeal,” says Mr Flack.

Jeremy Smith Heritage Manager/GM  Art Deco Trust says:

“Connecting directly with Nelson opens the door for more people to experience the magic of Art Deco Napier, and we are pleased to welcome this Flapper Flight to the Bay.

“From the moment passengers step aboard the chartered Jetstream, the journey becomes part of the experience. It is a chance to dress up, enjoy the occasion and travel in the spirit of the era.

“This is no ordinary flight. It is an opportunity for people to join New Zealand’s largest heritage celebration, set against the backdrop of Napier’s remarkable built heritage,” says Mr Smith.

Tickets for the charter flight into Hawke’s Bay will be sold through the Art Deco Trust, at a price of $1995 per person, and include the following:

• Return direct flights from Nelson to Napier with Originair
• 2 nights’ accommodation at the Crown Hotel Ahuriri
• Ticket to the Deco Decadence Grand Ball
• Airport and event transfers Deco keepsakes

Flights from Hawke’s Bay to Nelson are available on the Originair website.