Air Chathams' larger ATR 72 aircraft arriving at Whanganui Airport.
Guests formed a welcoming party at Whanganui Airport on Friday night as Air Chathams introduced their new ATR 72 aircraft.
The 68-seater plane arrived in Whanganui at approximately 7.20pm and was blessed moments later by John Maihi.
After a one week delay, Air Chathams' new ATR 72 aircraft arrives at Whanganui Airport. Photo / Bevan Conley
Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall then spoke, followed by Air Chathams airline and chartergeneral manager Duane Emeny and Whanganui & Partners chief executive Mark Ward.
The arrival of the aircraft was delayed by a week due to an administrative delay relating to it's maintenance programme, but it is now in operation.