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Air Chathams is an airline based in Te One in the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. The airline uses Chatham Islands Airport as its hub and flies to more than 5 destinations across New Zealand, as well as to Australia.
The airline was founded in 1984 and supports passengers flying from the islands to mainland New Zealand. As well as passenger flights, the airline also flies a cargo between the islands and the mainland.
In 2016, the airline expanded its route network and took on routes from Kiwi Regional Airlines through a merger. Air Chathams also previously had its own subsidiary, Chathams Pacific, which operated flights to Tonga. However, unfortunately, the subsidiary ceased operations in 2013.
Travelling in New Zealand? Check out our guide to domestic flights within New Zealand.
Baggage Policy
Air Chathams has a different baggage policy for carry-on and checked baggage policy.
Carry-on Baggage
Passengers are permitted one item of hand luggage for their flights. This may have a maximum weight of 7kg, and must not exceed the total linear dimensions of 115cm (when combining height, length and width).
Checked Baggage
Passengers are permitted to check-in 23kg of luggage. Anything over this luggage allowance will be subject to excess luggage charges.
Cabin Classes
Economy Class
Economy Class is the only available cabin class on Air Chathams flights. Passengers are looked after by the airline's extremely friendly cabin crew. Due to the short flight times, there's no in-flight entertainment in the cabin.
Seats
Seats are set out in a 1 x 1, 1 x 2 or 2 x 2 formation.
Check-In
Air Chathams passengers must check in at the airport since the airline doesn't offer online check in.
Online Check-in
Online check-in is not currently available for this airline.
Airport Check-in
Passengers must check-in at the airport to register for their flight. Please visit the relevant check-in counter at the airport to complete check-in. This service will open 90 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Please see your ticket for any further information on check-in or alternatively contact Air Chathams directly.
In-Flight Entertainment
The airline doesn't currently offer in-flight entertainment.
Wi-Fi
The airline currently doesn't have any WiFi services available.
Food and Drink
Each passenger is offered an in-flight snack and drink once the plane has taken off.
Frequent Flyer Program
The airline doesn't currently offer a frequent flyer program.
Airline Alliance
The airline doesn't currently partake in an airlines alliance.
Destinations that Air Chathams flies to
Air Chathams flies to several destinations within New Zealand and to Australia, including Chatham Island, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Pitt Island, Norfolk Island and more.
Alternatives to Air Chathams
Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes:
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Hub Airport
Chathams Island/Tuuta Airport
Chathams Island/Tuuta Airport, also just known as Chathams Islands Airport is the main airport on Chathams Islands. The airline has been based at Chathams Islands Airport since it launched, although, it does have a secondary hub at Auckland Airport, where it bases some of its aircraft. Air Chathams bases no more than two of its aircraft at Chathams Island Airport at one time.
Currently, Air Chathams is the only airline that is based at the airport and the only airline that flies to the airport.
Fleet
As of July 2020, the airline has a fleet of:
- 5 x Convair 580
- 1 x ATR 72-500
- 1 x Douglas DC-3
- 4 x Fairchild Metro III
- 1 x Aero Commander 690A
- 1 x Cessna 206
- 3 x Saab 340