Planned Air Chathams service to Norfolk still awaits launch Photo: Supplied
New Zealand domestic airline Air Chathams says it is hoping to have a service to Norfolk Island in place by early next year.
Norfolk has been without a New Zealand airlink for more than a year and its tourism industry has been suffering as a result.
Air Chathams had earlier revealed plans for flights to start in September but company spokesman Duane Emeny says they struck some unforeseen obstacles.
"Yeah it's been a longer process than we would have hoped. We are still working through some of the regulatory requirements and we have just recently taken on the Auckland to Kapiti air service and that has put quite a lot of strain on our resources. So we just don't want to rush into anything with Norfolk. We want to make sure when we start that service we do a really good job, live up to our reputation."
Duane Emeny says Norfolk hosts a series of festivals early next year and Air Chathams wants to be ready to provide a service in time for those events.
Norfolk Island Photo: AFP
