The Chatham Islands, a small archipelago 430 miles east of New Zealand's South Island and administered as part of New Zealand, has welcomed its first jet aircraft to its Tuuta Airport (CHT) this week. On October 1, Texel Air Australasia, a cargo carrier based in Auckland, operated its Boeing 737-800BCF to the Chathams, marking a new era for the community of around 730 inhabitants. A new runway extension Understanding the significance of Texel Air's arrival is underpinned by the New Zealand Government's proposal in 2012 to help extend and fund a NZ $42 ($25) million dollar runway extension at Chatham Islands Tuuta Airport.
Previously, the airport could only handle smaller aircraft, such as Air Chatham's ATR72 , which currently serves the islands today with flights to Auckland , Wellington , and Christchurch Airport multiple times a week. The government's initial proposal was to extend the runway to 5,250 feet, with extensive resurfacing, a new passenger and administration terminal, and a large hangar. A local airline is filling the gap left by Air New Zealand, and is a vital link for 800 residents located in the Chatham Islands.
Get all the latest airline route news right here New economic opportunities With the runway now extended and widened and extensive strengthening work complete, Texel Air was tasked with a cargo mission to the isolated archipelago, marking a new era of aviation for the community. It is now expected that the airport's broader horizons will ensure stronge.
