Ninth new Q300 aircraft marks a key milestone

Ninth new Q300 aircraft marks a key milestone

The arrival of the ninth new Q300 aircraft to Air Nelson this week, via a flight from the Bombardier factory in Toronto, is a key milestone in the delivery programme, marking its half way point as well as being the first anniversary of the delivery of the first Q300 which entered service 11 August 2005.

Air Nelson General Manager, John Hambleton said the airline was pleased to be at the halfway point in the programme, and that the Q300 had proven to be the right choice as a replacement for the Saab.

“Not only has our customer feedback been overwhelmingly positive about the additional passenger comforts offered – the Q300 is faster, quieter and has more room than the Saab – but also our pilots and cabin crew are enjoying working on the aircraft,” said Mr Hambleton.

Air New Zealand has invested $350 million in the acquisition of a total of 17 new turbo-prop aircraft as a one-for- one replacement for Air Nelson’s aging Saab 340A fleet. Delivery of the last aircraft is scheduled for August 2007.

The fleet replacement has meant a significant increase in capacity for Air Nelson’s regional routes as the Q300 aircraft has 50 seats compared to 33 seats in the Saab.

The aircraft are currently operated on selected services linking the regional centres of Nelson, Napier, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Rotorua and Tauranga with the main hubs of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

Other regional ports will be added to the Q300 schedule next year including Keri Keri, Gisborne and Blenheim.

ENDS

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