Mystery new airline planning domestic flights

A new airline is planning to start flying domestic services next month.

Kiwi Pacific told the Dominion Post that it would fly between the main centres and offer regional services.

The airline is expected to fill the gap left by the collapse of Nelson-based airline Origin Pacific in August.

Kiwi Pacific said it would use a Boeing 737, Fairchild Metroliners and British Aerospace Jetstream aircraft for scheduled passengers services and charters.

Freight would be carried on Fokker Friendships.

Mystery surrounded who was behind the new airline.

The paper said former Origin Pacific shareholder Mike Pero had denied any involvement and there were indications that Auckland-based Airwork would at least provide the aircraft and operational expertise.

Airwork managing director Hugh Jones did not return calls yesterday.

Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer told the paper Airwork already had the necessary approvals needed to start scheduled services and would need only to inform the authority of the new name.

- NZPA