New Zealand’s Air Chathams eyes B737 ops, streamlines fleet
02.10.2023 – 22:58 UTC
Following the extension of the Chatham Island Airport runway to 1,850 metres, Air Chathams (3C, Chatham Island) is cautiously eyeing a move into jet operations, saying it is looking at a versatile B737-300 like the model currently operated by Canadian North (5T, Yellowknife) which has solid passenger and freight capabilities. It comes as the New Zealand carrier’s turboprop fleet simplification programme nears completion.
Speaking exclusively to ch-aviation, Air Chathams Chief Operating Officer Duane Emeny said the airline had previously signed a letter of intent to lease a B737-300 from Kelowna Flightcraft (Kelowna), which was put on hold until after the New Zealand general election.
“We are looking at that aircraft out of Canada, which kind of replicates what we had in the mid-1990s with the CV-580. That aircraft could operate as a full passenger or a full freighter or a combination of both. That is the key to successfully operating an air service to the Chatham Islands – it has to have that flexibility,” he said. “That’s where…