DWC helps to retain Westport flights

DWC helps to retain Westport flights

Development West Coast (DWC) and Sounds Air have signed an agreement that will see DWC provide finance to the airline to assist with the purchase of an aircraft to fly between Westport and Wellington.

DWC’s Chair John Sturgeon and Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford signed the commercial loan agreement in Greymouth yesterday.

Sounds Air has announced it will start a Westport to Wellington service in April when Air New Zealand withdraws from its service. The commercial loan from
DWC will provide finance for the Marlborough based airline to purchase a Pilatus PC12 aircraft.

DWC CEO Joseph Thomas says DWC is pleased to be able to support the Buller and wider West Coast region with this investment.

“From an economic point of view it is important to provide continuity of air service for the region. We have been impressed with Sounds Air’s track record and are keen to support the airline to make a success of the new route,” he Sounds Air has committed to a six-year term, flying between Wellington and Westport six days a week, with the possibility to extend the service if there is sufficient demand. The 40-minute flights will be on a nine-seater Pilatus PC12 - a single-engine, turboprop plane used worldwide, and extensively in Australia and the United States.

Managing director Andrew Crawford says the loan arrangement with DWC is a win-win for everyone.

“The support we have had from the Buller District Council (BDC) and DWC has been outstanding. To my mind the old model of an airline coming and trying to make it work is over. To operate an air service to smaller New Zealand communities takes a partnership and the BDC, DWC and Sounds Air are leading the way for what can be achieved,” he says.

Buller District Mayor Garry Howard says DWC’s investment will help provide a more comprehensive air service from Westport with affordable airfares.

“DWC is making finance available to secure an essential service for the West Coast and I believe it will benefit the whole of the Coast. Also, the planes Sounds Air will fly are used by Australia’s flying doctors so it may give us the ability to provide medical transfers from Westport which is a big plus for the region,” he says.

Sounds Air has recently purchased one Pilatus PC12 and is expecting delivery of a second aircraft in June 2015. Flights between Westport and Wellington will have a set price of $199 each way for adults and $179 for children, including 20-kilogram baggage per person.

ENDS

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