Residents are winners with scenic flights

Local residents are the winners from this weekend with the launch of DC-3 City Scenic Flights from Christchurch International Airport, due to the support of a number of local businesses.

With the closure of Wigram Airfield, the DC-3 flights handled by the Southern DC-3 Charitable Trust were at risk of ceasing or moving to a smaller regional centre. An appeal for support provided an overwhelming response from airport related businesses, resulting in the relocation of the DC-3 operations to Christchurch International Airport.

Christchurch International Airport Ltd have provided the charity with airport operational support and Air New Zealand have offered parking and hangar space for the DC-3 when it is required to spend time at the Airport. Passengers will check in at the Antarctic Attraction, with passengers being transported to the airfield via the Antarctic Penguin Bus.

Through partnerships with these four local businesses, the Southern DC-3 Charitable Trust is assured a strong future as the South Island’s last remaining historic airliner, and will continue to educate passengers as to the significance of Canterbury’s aviation past, while raising funds for local charities.

The Southern DC-3 will commence City Scenic Flights from Christchurch International Airport on Sunday 22 March 2009. The ticket price will include a 30 minute flight over Christchurch City and Lyttelton Harbour, entrance to the International Antarctic Centre, and free parking at the International Antarctic Centre. Bookings can be made by contacting 0800 DC3 FLY.

Christchurch International Airport – New Zealand’s Tourism Gateway

Christchurch International Airport welcomed nearly 6 million passengers in 2007/2008, ranking as New Zealand’s second largest airport. The Airport occupies a unique position economically, as the South Island’s busiest and most strategic air connection to the world’s trade and tourism markets. In addition, the airport plays an important role as the South Island™s major domestic hub servicing all New Zealanders, enabling passengers to c`nnect to a full spectrum of destinations throughout New Zealand. Christchurch International Airporῴ is a major driver of the regional Canterbury economy, gῥnerating airport precinct related jobs for nearly 5000 people.

Christchurch International Airport is owned and operated by Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL). CIAL was established as a limited liability company in 1988, and ownership of CIAL is now shared by Christchurch City Holdings Limited with 75% and the New Zealand Government with 25%. The company’s vision is to be recognised as New Zealand™s leading tourist gateway.

Christchurch International Airport is a carbon neutral company and has received carboNZero certification from Landcare Research following a detailed measurement and analysis process. CIAL is the first airport company in the Southern Hemisphere to attain certified carbon neutral status and is the second carbon neutral certified airport company in the world.

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