Jetstar's first regional flight touches down

Tuki Tuki MP and associate transport minister Craig Foss said the arrival of Jetstar was vital for the region. Photo / iStock

At exactly 9 this morning, applause broke out in the ranks of Jetstar's ground and terminal teams as the airline's first regional New Zealand flight took to the air from Napier to Auckland.

"This is an exciting day for regional airlines in New Zealand," was how Jetstar's head of New Zealand services Grant Kerr put it.

"It is a very special day for us and a very special day for Hawke's Bay because to start flying regionally in New Zealand is something we have been looking to do for some time - and now we are."

Jetstar chief executive David Hall was also on hand for what he called a historic moment and a timely one, as exactly 10 years ago Jetstar commenced its first international service into New Zealand.

"Now we are flying Q300s regionally here as well," he said.

"So New Zealand holds a special place in our hearts."

He said the passion and determination the Hawke's Bay's business, tourism and political community had voiced for Jetstar to fly to the region had been impressive and it was an important market for the airline to pursue.

"We are in it for the long term."

Tuki Tuki MP and associate transport minister Craig Foss said the arrival of Jetstar was vital for the region as it introduced choice and competition, which meant lower priced fares and the ability for more people to fly between Napier and Auckland.

He told the gathering of guests who had assembled for the official launch of the new service that Jetstar did not have to come to the Bay.

"There had to be a business case to come here and the numbers were there."

He said as they did in rugby, Hawke's Bay liked a bit of solid competition.

"And now we've got that," he said.

"This is a magic day - it is win-win for everyone."

Hawke's Bay Airport CEO Nick Story echoed the value of competition and said it was exciting to welcome a new airline to the region.

"Jetstar brings choice to our community and that can only be great news and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them."For Tourism Hawke's Bay general manager Annie Dundas said it was now up to the people of Hawke's Bay to support the newcomer as the benefits could be huge.

"We will have an extra 100 people a day coming into the Bay now."

As well, it opened links through the Jetstar's international partners Qantas and Emirates.

The 50-seater Q300 aircraft was blessed by local kaumatua before take-off and despite the gloomy conditions across the runaway there was a clear and bright feeling to the day.