TTI celebrates Air Chathams’ Fleet Expansion and Services for Chatham Island

Air Chathams’ team members were early adopters of carbon offsetting in their operations, and their ongoing efforts reflect their commitment to ongoing evolution. They have persistently been observed striving for transformation. They have now made a move towards a significant development that promises to bring new horizons for Air Chathams and the Chatham Island community.

Air Chathams’ team members were early adopters of carbon offsetting in their operations, and their ongoing efforts reflect their commitment to ongoing evolution. They have persistently been observed striving for transformation. They have now made a move towards a significant development that promises to bring new horizons for Air Chathams and the Chatham Island community.

The Chief Operating Officer of Air Chathams, Duane Emeny, shared some exciting news that the airline is poised to take a transformative step in its operations considering expanding into jet operations with the Boeing 737-300, following the extension of the Chatham Island Airport runway. He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of introducing an aircraft that offers the versatility to function as both, a full passenger carrier and a full-fledged freighter. This adaptability is the key to Air Chathams’ vision for a thriving air service to the Chatham Islands. Emeny rightly emphasized the importance of this flexibility, acknowledging the extensive groundwork required to ensure the island is ready for this transition, especially considering the shift from ATRs to B737s.

With this significant upgrade, Air Chathams aims to further support the Chathams’ economy, which remains heavily reliant on its fisheries sector. Additionally, two passenger-configured Saab aircraft will be put to use for scheduled regional services and charters, bolstering connectivity for the region.

While some might express concerns about Air New Zealand’s substantial resources and domestic market dominance, Emeny was quick to highlight the solid relationship that Air Chathams enjoys with the national carrier. This relationship is likely strengthened by the fact that Air Chathams does not operate flights to the Chatham Islands, and even with the runway extension, it is not expected to do so in the future.

This bold step by Air Chathams demonstrates their unwavering dedication to the Chatham Islands community and their commitment to providing top-tier services as part of their transformative model. This serves as evidence of the ongoing transformation in airline business models. TTI stands firmly in support of these changes to ensure that achieving greater heights in aviation also leads to higher returns, delivering a high yielded load factor.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Air Chathams on this remarkable milestone. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on the Chatham Islands and the broader New Zealand aviation landscape.