New Zealand regional carrier Origin Pacific Airways has introduced two 64-seat ATR 72-200s to boost its domestic capacity.
Both aircraft are ex-Continental Express machines, leased from Sabine Schroder Aircraft Leasing of Germany. They are replacing a Bombardier Dash 8-300, and will be used on Qantas codeshare routes to provide additional capacity for the New Zealand tourist market between Christchurch and the cities of Queenstown and Rotorua, more than doubling the seats offered by Qantas on these routes. They will also provide more capacity between Wellington and Christchurch. The expansion coincides with the start of the country's busy summer tourist season.
Nelson-based Origin Pacific, serves 12 of New Zealand's cities. The ATRs bring the airline's fleet to 18 aircraft, comprising six BAe J31/J32s, five J41s, two Dash8-100s and three Fairchild Metros.
Source: Flight International
