Marlborough Mayor ‘Disappointed' By Sounds Air Cuts
Sounds Air announced on Monday they would be selling their fleet of Pilatus PC12 aircraft and axing their Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wānaka routes from September 28. Ten staff would be made redundant.
Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford said he was devastated, but the company could not contend with mounting costs and a weak New Zealand dollar.
'It will mean the loss of a number of our dedicated and skilled staff, but we are also hugely disappointed for our incredibly loyal customer base who rely on us to get around New Zealand not only for tourism and leisure purposes but also for regional access to critical healthcare and higher education, and to do business that contributes to New Zealand's regional economies,' Crawford said.
Taylor said that Marlborough Airport, a subsidiary of the Marlborough District Council, had been working with the airline to navigate through challenging times.
'It is disappointing and sad for Marlborough to lose the Blenheim to Christchurch route. This service was particularly important as it provided a vital air link for Marlborough people to get to specialist treatment in Christchurch,' Taylor said.
'There is no other option to fly direct from Blenheim to Christchurch – this is now a four-hour drive.
'That is going to put additional pressure and stress on those who are already at their most vulnerable.'
Taylor said she was frustrated that Sounds Air did not receive any government support, given the company contributed to regional connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.
'There is often talk of the regions being our country's powerhouses to be that, we need infrastructure, services, and connectivity,' Taylor said.
'If regions are to grow in the manner central Government wants, investment in this space is warranted and indeed necessary.'
Destination Marlborough general manager Tracey Green said the loss of a direct connection to Christchurch was a 'significant blow'.
'Recent challenges with Air New Zealand and ferry services have compromised our connectivity,' Green said.
'These are tough economic times for everyone and Sounds Air has been a strong strategic partner for Marlborough, connecting our region with two of our main domestic markets, Christchurch and Wellington.
'The full impact of this loss in connectivity may not be immediately clear, but it's a real shame this is happening just ahead of the summer season, when we rely on those connections the most.'
The airline's challenges came to light during Covid, and it had continued to struggle over the past five years.
Crawford said a Pilatus engine that cost US$850,000 (NZ$1.42 million) just a few months ago was now being quoted at US$1.4m (NZ$2.3m), and the passenger safety levy from the Civil Aviation Authority rose 145%.
A PC12 aircraft was recently sold to help ease the financial burden, and last year Sounds Air axed its Wellington to Taupō and Wellington to Westport routes.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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