The inaugural flight of the newly-rebranded Air Chathams Metroliner arrived in Whakatāne on Sunday. Several members of the public turned out to welcome the new ‘flying billboard’, joining passengers who took the opportunity to photograph the colourful new aircraft.

Roslyn Mortimer, Whakatāne District Council Manager Business Services, says the plane rebranding was a joint venture between Air Chathams and the Council. “This is the latest part of our new branding promotional campaign, which aims to help us promote the Whakatāne District to Auckland and beyond,” she says.

Air Chathams General Manager Duane Emeny piloted the Metroliner into Whakatāne and said he and his staff were very pleased with the new livery. “It looks fantastic and it really makes a statement. Within five minutes of pushing it out of the hangar in Auckland, we had plane spotters pressed against the fence and it was certainly turning a few heads as we taxied out.”

Air Chathams has been providing regular flights between Whakatāne and Auckland since the withdrawal of the national carrier in April this year. “The load factors have been improving well in the last two months,” Mr Emeny says, “and the airline is currently in negotiations to obtain a second aircraft to support the Auckland to Whakatāne route and explore reinstating the direct link between Whakatāne and Wellington."

Air Chathams is also getting behind local area events, sponsoring the upcoming One Base Fishing Tournament and the EBOP Hospice’s Sunshine and a Plate festival in February 2016.