Origin Pacific Airways: A Tale of Kiwi Aviation Ambition
In the annals of our nation’s aviation history, few stories capture the spirit of entrepreneurship and the challenges of the industry quite like that of Origin Pacific Airways. This regional airline, which operated from 1996 to 2006, left an indelible mark on our skies and serves as a fascinating case study in the volatile world of air travel.
The Birth of Origin Pacific
Origin Pacific Airways was the brainchild of Robert Inglis and Nicki Smith, two aviation enthusiasts with a proven track record. The pair had previously established Air Nelson in 1979, which they later sold to Air New Zealand. Buoyed by their success and armed with invaluable experience, Inglis and Smith set their sights on a new venture.
In 1996, they founded Origin Pacific Airways, with its base of operations in Nelson. The airline took to the skies in April 1997, aiming to provide regional services and fill gaps in the market left by larger carriers. From the outset, Origin Pacific positioned itself as a customer-focused alternative, offering competitive pricing and convenient schedules.
Fleet and Operations
Origin Pacific’s fleet was a testament to its ambition and growth. The airline operated a variety of aircraft throughout its tenure, including:
- British Aerospace Jetstream 31s
- Fairchild Metroliners
- Bombardier Dash 8s
- ATR 72-212s
This diverse fleet allowed Origin Pacific to serve a wide range of routes and adapt to changing market demands. The airline’s operations expanded rapidly, connecting many of our secondary towns and providing vital links between regional centres and major hubs.
The Qantas Connection
A significant milestone in Origin Pacific’s history came in mid-2001 when it entered into a code-share agreement with Jetconnect, a subsidiary of Australian carrier Qantas. This partnership was a game-changer for the small regional airline, opening up access to international networks and providing a steady stream of passengers.
Under this agreement, Origin Pacific operated flights on behalf of Jetconnect, serving routes such as Rotorua and Queenstown. The airline utilised ATR-72-212 and Dash 8 aircraft for these services, showcasing its ability to handle larger operations.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite its initial success and growth, Origin Pacific faced significant challenges. The airline industry is notoriously volatile, and regional carriers often operate on razor-thin margins. The loss of the Jetconnect code-share agreement in early 2004 dealt a severe blow to Origin Pacific’s operations.
This partnership had accounted for approximately 60% of the airline’s business. Its termination left Origin Pacific in a precarious position, forced to compete against the government-backed Air New Zealand and its former partner, Jetconnect, which had begun operating its own Boeing 737 aircraft on the routes previously served by Origin Pacific.
The Final Flight
The loss of the Qantas partnership marked the beginning of the end for Origin Pacific. Despite efforts to restructure and streamline operations, the airline struggled to remain financially viable. On 10 August 2006, Origin Pacific ceased passenger operations, unable to service its debts to airports and Inland Revenue.
In a last-ditch effort to survive, the airline continued freight operations for a short period. However, these too came to an end on 15 September 2006, marking the final chapter in Origin Pacific’s decade-long story.
Legacy and Lessons
The rise and fall of Origin Pacific Airways offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by regional airlines in our country. It demonstrates the delicate balance between ambition and market realities, and the impact that partnerships with larger carriers can have on smaller operators.
Despite its ultimate failure, Origin Pacific played a crucial role in our aviation landscape during its ten-year run. It provided competition on regional routes, potentially driving down prices and improving service quality across the industry. The airline also connected many smaller towns and cities, supporting local economies and facilitating business and leisure travel.
The Phoenix Rises: Originair
Interestingly, the story of Origin Pacific doesn’t end with its collapse. In 2015, Robert Inglis, drawing on his extensive experience and undimmed passion for aviation, founded Originair. This new venture, based once again in Nelson, seems to have learned from the challenges faced by its predecessor.
Originair commenced operations on 12 August 2015, initially flying between Nelson and Palmerston North. The airline has since expanded its operations, adding routes to Wellington, Hamilton, and briefly to Napier and New Plymouth. Operating a fleet of British Aerospace Jetstream aircraft, Originair has carved out a niche in the regional market, focusing on direct routes between smaller centres.
While facing its own set of challenges, including regulatory issues in 2016 that led to a temporary cessation of operations, Originair has shown resilience. The airline’s ability to adapt and resume operations demonstrates the ongoing demand for regional air services and the potential for success in this challenging market.
The story of Origin Pacific Airways, and its spiritual successor Originair, is a quintessentially Kiwi tale of entrepreneurship, ambition, and resilience in the face of adversity. It highlights the vital role that regional airlines play in our nation’s connectivity and economic fabric, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of rapid expansion and over-reliance on partnerships in the volatile aviation industry.
As we look to the future of regional aviation in our country, the lessons learned from Origin Pacific’s journey continue to resonate. They remind us of the delicate balance between ambition and sustainability, and the ongoing importance of providing air links to our smaller communities. The spirit of Origin Pacific lives on, not just in Originair, but in the continued efforts to connect our diverse and geographically spread nation through the power of flight.