Originair touches down in Christchurch

Christchurch Airport welcomed Originair’s new weekday and Sunday service connecting Blenheim and Christchurch, which began yesterday [19 October] and restores a vital regional air link across the South Island.

The first aircraft of the service was greeted with a water arch as it taxied in.

The British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft will operate return services, supporting business, tourism, and patient travel to specialist healthcare.

Gordon Bevan, General Manager Aeronautical Development, said:

“We’re proud to work alongside Originair and Marlborough Airport to keep the South Island connected. Collaboration like this ensures essential travel remains easy and reliable.

Regional routes like this are an important part of our network, supporting connectivity, care, and commerce across the island.”

“This is a 20,000-passenger market, two thirds the size of the Blenheim population so the significance for Marlborough cannot be underestimated.”

The first flight marks the beginning of a new partnership focused on regional growth and accessibility.