The NZ Airports Association has warmly welcomed the Government’s announcement of loan funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) for Sounds Air and Air Chathams today.

The disbursement from the $30 million regional connectivity package marks a significant milestone in the long-term effort to stabilise New Zealand’s regional aviation network.

“This is an essential and worthwhile investment in businesses that serve as the heartbeat of New Zealand’s regional economies,” says NZ Airports Chief Executive Billie Moore.

“For Sounds Air and Air Chathams, these loans provide greater confidence to maintain fleets and shore up operations. We hope it will in turn provide more certainty to the airports and communities that depend on these airlines for vital social and economic links.

“While we celebrate this progress, the operating environment has shifted dramatically since we first proposed this scheme. With jet fuel bills doubling and continuing to surge, these loans must now work much harder to achieve their original purpose.

“This funding is a critical stabiliser, but it will need to be the first step in further policy interventions.”

NZ Airports commends Ministers Shane Jones, James Meager and Mark Patterson for their continued commitment to understanding the complexities of the regional aviation sector and taking practical action to support it.

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