Hawke's Bay Airport has been granted "first arrival in New Zealand" status, allowing international corporate and charter jets carrying up to 14 people to fly straight into Napier from overseas.
As airport manager Nigel Sutton explained, previously the airport had only a concession to handle aircraft coming straight from overseas on
a flight-by-flight application basis, and with a maximum of only six people aboard.
He had worked alongside Air Napier general manager Gary Peacock in negotiations with MAF and Customs to have the airport designated as a first-arrival facility for overseas corporates and charters.
Mr Peacock offered a section of his purpose-built aviation building on the edge of the main apron as a site for Customs and MAF officers to use when flights were expected.
Both agencies gave the facility and the plan to go "international" the thumbs-up. Mr Sutton said the new status was likely to result in more direct flights into Napier because it would save travellers time and money.
Corporate and charters previously had to fly into Auckland to gain MAF and Customs clearance to enter New Zealand.
"At present we get 20 or so a year, but it is growing," Mr Sutton said. "Hawke's Bay is growing as a tourist destination, and places like the Cape Kidnappers golf course add to the appeal for visitors. Being able to fly straight here will add to that appeal."
Mr Sutton said the concession to allow a flight of a maximum of six people was too limiting because three were generally flight crew. Now it meant at least 11 passengers could come in.
MAF and Customs would send staff to the Air Napier-based arrival centre on notification from airport operations staff who deal with flight schedules.
