Air Milford, a Scenic Flight Operator based at Queenstown Airport, recently announced they will be initiating a scheduled return flight from Queenstown to Te Anau.
Air Milford, will start a 12-week trial service between the two towns on 14 January 2017.
To launch their new summer flight service, Air Milford organised a Locals Day at Te Anau Airport, Manapouri on Saturday, December 17, from 12.30pm-2.30pm.
Te Anau Airport, Manapouri was certainly alive with people, in particular children who were all eagerly awaiting their flight with Air Milford's Cessna Caravan, which can seat up to 12 passengers.
Fiordland children had an opportunity of a lifetime with free scenic flights for children, who were accompanied by an adult, who paid by donation.
Donations over $800 were raised, and was given to the charity chosen, Fiordland Trails Trust. Some 67 people in total took the opportunity, with in excess of 80 who came out to the airport to learn more about the scheduled flight.
One local said: “What an awesome thing to do, the children just loved it.”
Santa was there too, organizing the lolly scramble with free pies and sausage rolls from Miles better Pies.
Air Milford Operations Manager Antony Sproull said: “We couldn't have picked a better day. Te Anau and Manapouri basked in sun with relatively smooth flying conditions.”
“It certainly exceeded our expectations, with the ultimate satisfaction coming from the kids’ smiles after the flight, and people were impressed with the Cessna Caravan.”
“The service will run every Saturday for 12 weeks through the peak tourist season,” he said.
The tourism scene in Queenstown and Te Anau had never been busier.
''If Mt Cook Airline could justify 44-seat aircraft then we should have no trouble filling our four- to 12-seat machines,'' Mr Sproull said.
Mt Cook Airline ceased its Queenstown-Te Anau service more than 16 years ago.
The private Manapouri Airfield was built by Mt Cook in the 1960’s to service the area and was eventually taken over by Air New Zealand in 1991.
In 2002, Air New Zealand reviewed its services and assets and the opportunity arose to purchase the Manapouri Airfield.
In October 2002 the Te Anau Community Board successfully negotiated the purchase of the airport.
A feasibility study into the proposed service highlighted increasing frustrations with the road trip - which used to take less than two hours, but because of traffic and congestion near Queenstown often took significantly longer.
Flights take about 25 minutes.
Air Milford said it would charge $99 a seat.
Mr Sproull - whose father Hank, Air Milford's chief executive, worked for Mount Cook Airline for 27 years - said if the service exceeded expectations a permanent service could start the following summer. His father Hank has a special friendship with Te Anau, with family currently living here.
The Te Anau Airport, Manapouri is a world class facility, and we’re already working closely with the Southland District Council to get the utilisation it deserves, explains Mr Sproull.
Air Milford operate a fleet of five aircraft including three Cessna Caravans. The latest Caravan is brand new from the Cessna Factory in USA, flown to New Zealand by Air Milford’s Chief Pilot in January 2016.
