Navair approved for on demand operations in New Zealand

The approval comes as Navair continues to expand its fleet, with the recent addition of Pilatus PC-24 aircraft, and further aircraft additions planned.

Navair has received Civil Aviation Authority New Zealand approval under Part 129 for a Foreign Air Operator’s Certificate (FAOC).

The approval means Navair can operate into New Zealand on demand, with no restriction on frequency. It replaces a longstanding restriction that limited the firm to four charter flights into New Zealand per year, with a minimum 28-day separation between flights. 

Rick Pegus, CEO of Navair said: “For a long time, we were working around a hard limit of four flights into New Zealand a year. It meant we were often planning trans-Tasman charters months in advance rather than being able to book clients when they needed us on short notice.” 

The FAOC permits Navair to operate into 13 approved New Zealand aerodromes, including Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Christchurch, Hamilton, Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Nelson, Dunedin and Invercargill.

For clients travelling between Australia and New Zealand, the change removes a key planning constraint, with charter flights previously needing to be scheduled well in advance to work within the annual allocation.

Pegus added: “This certificate changes that completely. We can now fly into New Zealand as often as our clients need, across 13 aerodromes across the country. It’s a significant shift for the business, allowing us to offer the same flexibility on trans-Tasman routes that we’ve built our reputation on in Australia.”