Celebrations as Jetstar Napier service takes to skies

One of the Jetstar terminal team summed it up best as the airline's first regional service took to the air from Napier to Auckland yesterday morning.

"We're away," he said as the Q300 left the ground at exactly 9am - right on time.

There was clear delight on the faces of his colleagues as well as they broke into applause and waved the distinctive airliner off.

The Jetstar celebratory cake being cut by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule (left), Napier Deputy Mayor Faye White, Nick Story, David Hall, Tukituki MP Craig Foss and Grant Kerr.

As Hastings District Mayor and long-time proponent of getting competition into the region's airways Lawrence Yule said - it was a moment which had been a long time coming.

"As a region we have worked for this for four years," he said, adding that the one thing which had previously dampened people's desire to travel to and from Auckland, the cost of airfares, had now changed for the better.

Captain Matthew Sykes (left) and First Officer Layton Michell get set to aim the Q300 north.

"This is really important to us - we relish this day."

He said so many people had worked hard and with undaunted determination to get another regional airline into Hawke's Bay.

Before the official speeches took place the aircraft was blessed by local kaumatua, with students from Hastings Intermediate School's kapa haka group delighting the gathering with a spirited performance.

It was an occasion not of pomp and ceremony, but more a casual and relaxed celebration.

"This is an exciting day for regional airlines in New Zealand," was how Jetstar's head of New Zealand services Grant Kerr put it.

"It is a very special day for us and a very special day for Hawke's Bay because to start flying regionally in New Zealand is something we have been looking to do for some time - and now we are."

Waves all round as the passengers, including MP Craig Foss (left) and Jetstar's David Hall and Grant Kerr, prepare to fly.

Jetstar's CEO David Hall was also on hand for what he called a historic moment and a timely one, as exactly 10 years ago Jetstar commenced its first international service into New Zealand.

"Now we are flying Q300s regionally here as well," he said.

"So New Zealand holds a special place in our hearts."

He said the passion and determination the Hawke's Bay's business, tourism and political community had voiced for Jetstar to fly to the region had been impressive and it was an important market for the airline to pursue.

And he had words of optimism.

"We are in it for the long-term."

Napier MP Stuart Nash described yesterday's launch as "one more piece in the jigsaw of economic development in Hawke's Bay".

He said airfares had been a barrier for too many, for too long and the arrival of competition was a huge benefit and it was essential people supported the new venture.

Tukituki MP and Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss said the arrival of Jetstar was vital for the region as it introduced choice and competition, which meant lower-priced fares and the ability for more people to fly between Napier and Auckland.

He told the gathering of guests who had assembled for the official launch of the new service that Jetstar did not have to come to the Bay.

"There had to be a business case to come here and the numbers were there."

He said as they did in rugby, Hawke's Bay liked a bit of solid competition.

"And now we've go that," he said.

"This is a magic day - it is win-win for everyone."

Hawke's Bay Airport CEO Nick Story echoed the value of competition and said it was exciting to welcome a new airline to the region.

"Jetstar brings choice to our community and that can only be great news and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them."

Image 1 of 24: Men in Black entertain passengers before the first Jetstar passenger flight to Auckland, Hawke's Bay Airport, Napier. News. 1 December 2015. Hawke's Bay Today photograph by Warren Buckland

Tourism Hawke's Bay general manager Annie Dundas said it was now up to the people of Hawke's Bay to support the newcomer because the benefits could be huge.

"We will have an extra 100 people a day coming into the Bay now."

As well, it opened links through Jetstar's international partners Qantas and Emirates.

Since Jetstar announced the new Napier-Auckland service, bookings had been strong for the three daily flights on offer.

The schedule is expected to expand to four return services a day from February 1.