Air New Zealand and Air Chathams have reached a new agreement enabling customers to purchase a single ticket for travel on both airlines.
The interlining arrangement will begin this December, initially covering travel between Whakatāne and Auckland.
Air New Zealand said checked baggage will be forwarded directly to the customer’s final destination, ensuring a more seamless travel experience.
“It’s a new chapter for domestic aviation,” said Mike Williams, Air New Zealand’s chief transformation and alliances officer.
He mentioned that the two airlines have been developing the partnership for approximately five years.
“That’s a long engagement,” Associate Minister of Transport James Meager said.
“I’m glad you finally tied the knot.”
“That symbolises a little but about why we’re here today,” he added.
Meager flew from Timaru to Wellington, then Tauranga, and finally to Whakatāne for the announcement.
He said the government would back regional connectivity where feasible, but today’s event was mainly a result of the efforts the two airlines had undertaken independently.
Air Chathams chief executive Duane Emeny expressed gratitude to Air New Zealand for “doing the right thing.”
“This partnership is an important first step and we see real potential to build on it with further regional connections in the future and continue to help unlock opportunities for growth, employment and mobility across the country.”
Air New Zealand’s incoming chief executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, praised the partnership.
“For example, someone travelling from Whakatāne to Kerikeri can now book a single journey, connecting on to an Air New Zealand service,” Ravishankar said.
“By working together, we’re making it easier for customers in more parts of the country to stay connected.”