Taranaki airport buzzing as third airline keen to fly

Taranaki's largest airport in New Plymouth has a busy 2016 set out for it with runway, terminal, and car parking upgrades on the outlook, and two new airlines on their way. 

In February, Jetstar Airways begin a direct daily service between Auckland and New Plymouth which is expected to see an extra one thousand passengers a week enter the doors of one of the countries busiest domestic airports. 

In 2015 Kiwi Regional Airlines speculated that they could begin an New Plymouth service, as it was financially viable, and the "seats could be filled". 

However, there is speculation another airline may have beat Kiwi Regional to it. Airline insiders of Origin Air, speaking on the basis they're not named, say the airline has another aircraft, and is preparing to fly an direct service out of New Plymouth Airport. 

The direct service will most likely be to Nelson and/or Napier. 

Community Taranaki can't confirm the news however an Origin Air spokesperson told community advocate Michael Riley that they might be on their way very soon.

"We might just be flying to New Plymouth very soon, keep an eye on our Facebook page to get any updates," they said. 

In the past Air New Zealand has had a unrivaled strong hold at New Plymouth Airport with direct services to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. 

More to come.