Job done: Sounds Air signs off on direct route to Kaiko¯ura
It has been a godsend for many residents in the top of the South, but now the road is open again Sounds Air has called time on its direct air service to Kaiko¯ura.
The Blenheim-Kaiko¯ura passenger service took to the skies for the final time on Friday, marking the end of the route.
Sounds Air was quick to set up the service after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in November 2016 forced the closure of State Highway 1.
It had been a saviour for both private and business travellers.
But Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford said people were more likely to drive to Kaiko¯ura now that the highway had reopened.
‘‘I wouldn’t fly it so I wouldn’t expect others to,’’ he said.
Sounds Air’s six passenger service flights between Blenheim and Kaiko¯ura each week had been a huge support for businesses, said Kaiko¯ura Cheese co-owner Sarah Jenkins.
‘‘All the help that we’ve had... is the reason we are still going.’’
Within days of the quake Sounds Air had offered Jenkins cargo space to fly cheese packages to market in Blenheim once or twice a week.
‘‘It’s been fundamental to our survival,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s definitely a massive thank you from our family and staff.’’
The final flight in a 12-seater Cessna Caravan landed in Blenheim just after 1pm on Friday.
Ground crew member Sarah Butt, who was on the final flight, said one of the five passengers on board became quite emotional to learn it was the last flight.
‘‘The lady was very appreciative and emotional,’’ she said.
Pilot Tim Williams said it was also a tough day for airport staff in Kaiko¯ura.
‘‘The staff down there were quite sad about it,’’ he said.
All other Sounds Air flights, including direct to Christchurch, were still running as normal.