Whakatane (NZWK/WHK) to Auckland (NZAA/AKL), Fairchild Metroliner III ZK-CIC
Was a stunningly beautiful day to be flying on the new Air Chathams service from Whakatane to Auckland. Air New Zealand subsidiary Eagle Airways had only withdrew from Whakatane 6 days before. In the wake of the shock announcement, Air Chathams came to Whakatanes rescue. Using a mix of 50 seater Convair 580s and a 19 seater Fairchild Metroliner, Air Chats offer 3 flights daily to/from Auckland.
Air Chathams check in times are 45 mins prior to departure, compared to Air NZs 30 mins. All fares include a 23kg baggage allowance.
We boarded on time, 12 people on today's mid morning flight to Auckland. We started up and taxied out. Taking off to the west, we climbed to our cruise altitude. I had forgotten how low the ceiling is on the Metro, however it is quite a bit wider than the Beech 1900D. Nice views over the townships of Matata, Edgecombe and Kawerau. Slight bank to the left meant no views over Tauranga City for me. Ruapehu and Taranaki in the distance looked pretty against the Autumn blue sky. More views over the Waikato Dairy country before starting the descent into Auckland. Quite a firm landing in Auckland. Taxied to the far distant prop gate.
It was a nice flight, and at $89 two days prior to departure, it was a steal!
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