Bookings open for new air service provider

7 May 2015

Sounds Air is now taking bookings on the Taupo-Wellington route it will start operating on from June 2.

Last month Taupo District Council entered into a six-year agreement with the Marlborough-based air operator to provide at least three return flights on each week day and two return flights on Saturdays and Sundays. This followed an announcement by Air New Zealand in November last year that it would stop offering the service from the end of April.

In return, the council will guarantee the first three seats per flight. A regular review period has been built into the agreement to ensure the arrangements are working for both parties.

The 45-minute flights will be on a nine-seater Pilatus PC12 - a single-engine, turboprop plane widely used in Australia and the United States and manufactured in Switzerland. Seats are being offered at a fixed price of $219 per flight regardless of when booked. Concessions for 10 flights at $209 per seat are also available.

Mayor David Trewavas said he was confident the times and frequency of the flights would serve Taupo District residents and the business community well.

The community has told us that maintaining flight connectivity with the capital is important and we are pleased that we have been able to secure a service for our district, he said.

Sounds Air has a solid reputation in the aviation industry and offer a quality service. We are sure that both our residents and the business community will step up and show their support now bookings are being taken.

Anyone wanting to book a flight can do so online at www.soundsair.com or phone 0800 505 005.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz