The last time an Air New Zealand jet flew commercially from Hamilton Airport, Russ Rimmington and John Hewitt were mayors of Hamilton and Waipā.
Hamilton Airport staff with Air NZ’s departing chief executive Greg Foran who they presented with a Chiefs jersey reflecting his Waikato upbringing. From left, Glen MacWilliam, Ben Langley, Andrew Hugill, Greg Foran, Barry Harris, Lauren Patterson, Angela Beardsmore, Karen Wilson, Karen Lovegrove. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
A quarter of a century later, their successors Paula Southgate and Susan O’Regan welcomed the airline back – and farewelled Air NZ’s chief executive, hometown boy Greg Foran.
Flight NZ324 from Christchurch touched down in Hamilton at 4.20pm last Thursday, marking the city’s first domestic jet service in 25 years.
The new A320 jet services will contribute around 18,000 extra seats annually and a further 7000 seats will be added through enhancements to the ATR 72 schedule – delivering around 25,000 additional seats in total.
Several Waikato business identities were on the old ATR which travelled to Christchurch. Among them were Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate, Hamilton Airport chair Barry Harris, Nicola Greenwell (Hamilton and Waikato Tourism), Don Good (Waikato Chamber of Commerce), Russell Alexander (Hobbiton), Richard Lindroos (Fieldays), Sacha Coburn (Coffee Culture) and Todd Charteris (Rabobank).
They joined Christchurch deputy mayor Pauline Cotter and airport company chief executive Justin Watson for a ceremony in the Koru Lounge.
Air New Zealand A320 welcomed at Hamilton Airport
Podcasters Steven Holloway, left, and Seamus Marten at Hamilton Airport. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Hamilton’s Steven Holloway and Seamus Marten, the event’s MCs, noted that two of their most popular podcasts featured Christchurch pair Simon Barnett and Jason Gunn.
They also revealed that Foran, who appeared on their podcast earlier this year and retires next month, received 3000 emails afterward – a result of a dare to personally reply to every message.
“It’s been a little bit challenging with a few engine troubles and tourism not quite where we want to be but to actually be able to now get some growth on some of these routes is a big deal for all of us,” said Foran at the Christchurch ceremony.
He called it “terrific” to see two powerhouse regions coming together.
“The jet is going to join the existing ATR services so that’s an extra 25,000 seats. That’s a decent amount going of this route, thousands of more opportunities for business, for events, for tourism and for people to be able to connect with all their loved ones.”
Cotter said the Waikato-Canterbury route was about more than just flights.
“It’s about strengthening the ties between two of New Zealand’s most vibrant, dynamic and fasting growing cities.
“We’re large enough to be exciting and we offer plenty of action and things to do but of a size that makes it all so easy and stress free.
“This fantastic new service will make it easier to bring you closer to the people, the places and the opportunities that matter most to you,” she said.
In Hamilton, Foran said the one-hour A320 trip was “so quick” that airline staff struggled to complete the Koru in-flight service.
“And that’s not because I’m a novice. I’m pretty efficient out there but we were scurrying at the end to get it done.”
Peter Nation, left, and Jason Dawson board the Air NZ A320 in Christchurch. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Air New Zealand’s A320 sits on the Hamilton Airport tarmac after its inaugural trip from Christchurch. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Harris highlighted the significant opportunities and high demand for travel between the two regions, thanking airport shareholders represented by Southgate and O’Regan.
“What you represent today is your support for what we’re doing and making sure that we have an absolutely fantastic small but perfectly formed regional airport that’s now an international airport punching above its weight.”
O’Regan, reminding everyone the airport was in Waipā district, called it a vital piece of Waikato infrastructure.
“It’s creating jobs, attracting investment, and showing real confidence in our future. With jets back in the skies, our region is really going to soar.”
- Mary Anne Gill travelled from Hamilton to Christchurch and back and had a two-hour city cycle tour courtesy of Air New Zealand and Chill Explore.
Hamilton Airport chair Barry Harris, Air NZ CEO Greg Foran, Waipa and Hamilton mayors Susan O’Regan and Paula Southgate and Hope Phillips from Jacqueline Anne Atelier at Hamilton Airport. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Greg Foran delivers Koru Hour service on Hamilton jet launch
Greg Foran delivers Koru Hour service on Hamilton jet launch. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
