Originair withdrew its Westport service last Thursday, but confirmed yesterday it would resume the route in the short term, restarting on May 18.
It earlier pulled the pin on May 1, citing the global fuel crisis as the last straw for the Buller service that was costing its shareholders about $500,000 a year to subsidise.
Yesterday, the airline said DWC has approved one month of support, allowing time for discussions with the government for longer-term funding.
"We’ve been in discussions with Development West Coast and the Buller District Council for some time, and we’re pleased to be working together on a practical way to keep flights operating in the near term," Originair managing director Robert Inglis said in a statement.
DWC chief executive Heath Milne said the short-term funding followed months of engagement between the organisations.
However, he was not available yesterday to clarify how much the DWC subsidy was costing.
"This gives the community some certainty while longer-term decisions are worked through."
He said a formal request for interim funding had been approved by DWC trustees after discussions with the government and the Regional Investment Fund (Kānoa), aimed at keeping the Westport service running ahead of any final decision from ministers.
Mr Inglis said it was encouraging to see Regional Development Minister Shane Jones involved in discussions about the future of regional air links.
"We welcome the minister’s engagement on this issue. Regional connectivity is essential for communities like Westport, and it’s positive to see central government looking closely at how these services can be supported in a sustainable way," he said.
The Westport-Wellington route is considered a key link for the Coast, connecting residents to healthcare, business, tourism and government services.
Mr Inglis said maintaining regional air services remained challenging, pointing to the small population base, rising operating costs and the ongoing fuel crisis.
Realistically, the only way a small, distant community can continue to have air connectivity at fares similar to Nelson-Wellington fares was with local or central government support for the route.
Mr Inglis said the current arrangement was only intended to keep the service running in the immediate term.
"This is about keeping the service in the air for now while those bigger decisions are made. We remain committed to working with central Government on a long-term solution."
Buller Mayor Chris Russell welcomed the development but said longer-term support had yet to be confirmed.
"It’s really good news. I was hopeful and remained positive that a solution could be found," he said.
"We have interim support, for now."
Discussions with the government were ongoing, he said.
The current short-term deal involves a "formula price" support tied to passenger numbers.
Mr Inglis said DWC was guaranteeing a set amount based on the number of seats available on the Westport route, while any revenue earned from ticket sales was returned.
He remained hopeful of securing ongoing support. — Greymouth Star
By Scout Atkins
