A small airline is introducing a new service between Christchurch and Blenheim ensuring Marlborough does not lose direct connectivity to the South Island’s largest city.

Originair’s CEO Rob Inglis said from Sunday 19 October the airline will schedule an 18-seater aircraft to fly a twice-daily return service between the two regions.

The services are planned to depart Blenheim at 8.30am and 3.10pm and leaving Christchurch at 9.50am and 4.30pm.

“These times have been designed to give travellers around seven hours in Christchurch, making them well suited for those attending specialist medical appointments or requiring a full business day in either Christchurch or Blenheim,” Inglis said.

Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said, “Enabling regional routes are vital to Christchurch’s role as the South Island hub, connecting communities and supporting economic activity across the region. We’re looking forward to seeing the white and yellow jetstreams become a regular feature of our whānau.”

In addition to the Christchurch services, Originair will also launch direct Monday and Friday flights between Blenheim and Palmerston North, providing convenient connections for business travellers and those planning weekend getaways.

The new Originair services are being implemented as a commercial response to a need highlighted by regional representatives and regular travellers on the Blenheim/Christchurch route. They are not subsidised through the Government’s recently announced Regional Airline Support Package.