Masterton air service to relaunch

IT'S A GO: Vincent Aviation's Saab 340 at Masterton's Hood Aerodrome.

An air passenger service linking Masterton and Auckland will re-start in mid-November with return flights each weekday.

This follows a successful last minute bid by Vincent Aviation which got the nod from Masterton District Council on Wednesday night over rival Air Chathams.

The decision was made at a meeting closed to the public and press after a presentation was made to councillors by Vincent Aviation managing director Peter Vincent.

Only a week earlier the council had been expected to approve the Air Chathams proposal but voted to delay a decision until Mr Vincent had time to put a case for his airline.

The decision means there will be no immediate need for a runway extension at Masterton airport for which $180,000 had been earmarked had Air Chathams won the day.

Council chief executive Pim Borren said yesterday the decision was made after "a thorough discussion around the relative merits of the two proposals"

"There were two good options on the table and the final decision came down to what was best in the medium to long term.

"Council chose to go with Vincent Aviation as they operated a more modern aircraft," he said.

Vincent Aviation will use a Saab 340 as opposed to Air Chathams' plan to utilise the older Metroliner, commonly referred to in aviation circles as the " flying pencil."

"There was a clear preference for the Saab over the Metroliner.

"One elected member summarised his thinking as the Saab being a step forward, rather than a step backward with the alternative aircraft," Mr Borren said.

He said councillors had now committed themselves to "working with and supporting Vincent Aviation" to ensure a viable and sustainable service while branding Wairarapa as an accessible part of the country.

Mr Borren said although the Saab does not need a runway extension, the council has not discounted the possibility of one as it may be the best decision to future-proof the airport.

Although no details on fares have yet come to light councillors did not expect them to differ greatly from those charged by former provider, Eagle Air.

Nor has Vincent Aviation revealed a break-even passenger loading to ensure the financial success of the new service.

What is known is that the Saab will have a flight attendant on duty and food and drinks will be available.

There will also be an on-board toilet.

Wednesday's presentation by Peter Vincent was also attended by representatives from both Carterton and South Wairarapa district councils.

Had Masterton District Council opted for the Air Chathams' proposal those councils were expected to pledge some money towards an airport extension but it is now believed there will be no need to seek financial help from them.

Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson said it was " great" to know regular flights to Auckland would be re-starting.