Kāpiti, Friday 27 July 2018

Nearly 2000 seats on Air Chathams have already been booked between Paraparaumu and Auckland ahead of its launch next month – a strong indication of the support Kāpiti has for the regional airline.

Air Chathams’ founder Craig Emeny and Duane Emeny, General Manager, will be speaking at the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce’s Business Lunch on the 9th of August about their plans for the district.

Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, wants the business communities from Horowhenua through to Porirua to give the airline a warm welcome.

“Air Chathams is a fast-growing regional airline, known for its exceptional customer service, convenience and competitive fares. The flights from Kāpiti are incredibly business-friendly, with 36 frequent flights to and from Auckland each week.

“The recent Colmar Brunton research commissioned by the Kāpiti Coast District Council revealed there is significant untapped potential in Horowhenua and Porirua for travellers. They found in the last 12 months:
1. More than 44,000 trips to and from Auckland originating from the Kapiti Coast flew via Wellington
2. More than 11,000 trips to and from Auckland originating from Horowhenua flew via Wellington
3. More than 85,000 trips to and from Auckland originating from Porirua flew via Wellington

Duane Emeny, General Manager of Air Chathams, is excited by the prospects of operating from Kāpiti.

“Initial bookings are trending positively with the first seats sold within minutes of the Kāpiti to Auckland service announcement. The airline has sold just under 2000 seats already with another three weeks until launch on August 20. It gives us real confidence that Kāpiti residents and those abroad are aware of our good reputation and booking seats early with Air Chathams’ new Kāpiti service”.

The large number of early bookings is also an indication of the strength of Kāpiti’s economy.

“Our economy is outperforming the Wellington regions. Last year we grew by 2.7% compared to 2.2% across the wider region. Infrastructure like these daily flights will be vital in shaping our economy – particularly alongside the opportunities major developments like Transmission Gully offer” says Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Wayne Maxwell, Kāpiti Coast District Council CEO, will also speak about the coast’s fantastic economic prospects at the business lunch which will be held at Southwards on the 9th of August at 12 pm. You can find out more information and book here: https://Kāpitichamber.org.nz/networking/event-calendar/lunch-with-air-chathams-09-08-18/

Every person attending the lunch has a chance to win a return flight to Auckland on Air Chathams.

The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce exists to advance the economy by creating wealth and employment and solve local business issues by providing a collective voice for business in Kāpiti. Over 300 members in Kāpiti belong to the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce to stay connected, network and gain knowledge and support from our local membership.

For more information, please contact:
Heather Hutchings, Kāpiti Chamber Chair | 021 0696143 | [email protected]
Julene Hope, Chair, Chamber Advocacy Committee | 021 500709
Jacinda Thorn, Public Relations | 027 3970616 | [email protected]