WSZ get new Sounds Air service (Updated)

After detailed talks between Picton based Sounds Air and Buller District Council Westport will be serviced by Sounds Air after national carrier Air new Zealand Link cease services in April.

The service will operate with a new aircraft to the Sounds Air fleet a 9 seat Pilatus PC12, the photo provided to media outlets by Sound Air depicts Pilatus Australia's demonstrator PC12 VH-FMM, it is unknown if this is the frame that Sounds Air will utilise or if this is for demonstration purposes only.

The announcement sees a partnership between Sounds Air and Buller District Council who own 50% of the Westport Airport in partnership with the New Zealand Government.

The deal sees Sounds Air guaranteed a six year term for the flight with the option of increasing services or adding new destinations should the need arise.

Return flights will operate 13x weekly with a double daily rotation WSZ-WLG-WSZ morning and evening Monday - Friday, with an additional morning return flight on Mondays and Fridays, the evening rotation will also operate on Sundays.

Flights will be available for booking on the Sounds Air website from Monday 26-January-2015 at the set price of $199 one way for an adult and $179 one way for children.  All fares come with an included 20kg baggage allowance.

Read more via The Marlborough Express HERE

UPDATE

Sounds Air have posted on Facebook that the new route will operate with two PC12's - they have again used the photo of VH-FMM and have also included an artists impression of the PC12 in Sounds Air livery wearing the ZK-PLS registration.

They have also announced Tuesday 28-April-2015 as the date of the first service.

Photo via Sounds Air Facebook page