New air freight service hits town

"[This] really confirms Palmerston North city and the Manawatu as the logistics and distribution hub for the central and lower North Island." Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith

Palmerston North Airport is set to get even busier, with a new freighter service set to begin operation.

The airport welcomed its first Boeing 737 freighter service plane from Freightways recently.

The trial flight was a precursor to scheduled services, which will see the plane making its way to the city potentially multiple times a week from early August.

Palmerston North Airportbased Fieldair Holdings has teamed up with New Zealand Post to operate up to three 737s, with one dedicated to doing the Auckland-palmerston Northchristchurch route.

The announcement comes on the back of a busy time for the airport, where it has seen a large increase in passenger numbers on the back of Jetstar flying to the city.

The Boeings, which have a payload of about 17,000 kilograms, will replace Convairs, Fokker 27 Freindships and Metroliners, which have much smaller payloads.

New Zealand Post chief executive Brain Roche said the city was a vital link in the national parcel network.

‘‘This new, improved airfreight service is one of a range of changes we are making to support better and more convenient parcel delivery options for our customers.’’

Freightways managing director Dean Bracewell said the service would give increased capacity and reduced carbon emissions.

Palmerston North Airport chief executive David Lanham said the move reaffirmed the airport’s position as an important freight hub.

‘‘We look forward to working with both companies in growing their respective operational bases at Palmerston North Airport.’’

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith welcomed the news, calling it great for the regional economy.