Tickets will go on sale next month for a new flight service between Wanaka and Christchurch beginning on November 2, following successful discussions between Sounds Air, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC). 

Sounds Air CEO Andrew Crawford said tickets, ranging in price from $159-$279 depending on terms and conditions, would be on sale from mid-September.

“This is fantastic news, not just for Sounds Air, but for the communities of Wanaka and Christchurch who have been so supportive of this proposed service,” he said.

Two return flights five days a week are scheduled, departing Wanaka Airport around 7:30am with a quick turnaround in Christchurch, back to Wanaka, then another return afternoon flight (subject to daylight hours). On Saturday there will be one morning flight to Christchurch returning on Sunday afternoon.

“We are planning to fly every day of the week with 12 return flights a week at this stage, using our turbo-prop Pilatus PC-12 aircraft,” Andrew said.

This aircraft, which seats nine passengers and has a flight time to Christchurch of 45 minutes, is considered ideal for this interregional service, requiring no additional infrastructure to be built at Wanaka airport.

The Sounds Air passenger service between Wanaka and Christchurch is a 45 minute flight.

“The regional connectivity that this flight service will bring will enable locals to travel more easily, support domestic tourism, aid local business recovery and improve access to health services,” Andrew said. 

QAC will seek Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) approval through a revised Statement of Intent.

"We are pleased to be working together with Sounds Air on its proposal to introduce scheduled services between Wanaka and Christchurch before the end of the year,” QAC chief executive Colin Keel said. 

“It has also been great to see the positive local community response to the proposal,” he said. 

“We are mindful of the current commitment we've made to our majority shareholder [QLDC] regarding the introduction of scheduled services at Wanaka Airport, and look forward to welcoming Sounds Air to the airport community when the necessary approvals are in place."

"The Sounds Air service between Christchurch and Wanaka is a reflection of the popularity of both places,” Christchurch Airport’s chief aeronautical and commercial officer Justin Watson said. 

“We know lots of Christchurch residents own and regularly visit property in Wanaka, while a lot of Wanaka residents travel frequently through here for business. This service will assist both those groups, as well as many others." 

Sounds Air has its headquarters in Picton and operates scheduled air services linking Wellington, Christchurch, Picton, Blenheim, Taupo, Westport, Nelson and Kāpiti. It has been operating since 1987.  

PHOTOS: Supplied