Air Chathams

Air Chathams is a privately owned regional airline based in New Zealand, established in 1984 by the Myron family. Founded by Craig and Marion Myron, the carrier was created specifically to serve the remote Chatham Islands, a territory situated roughly 800 kilometres east of the New Zealand mainland. The airline remains wholly family-owned and operated, with the Myron family retaining full control over its strategic direction and daily operations. From its inception, Air Chathams has focused on providing reliable, essential air services to communities that would otherwise face limited connectivity, and it has grown steadily while maintaining its independent, family-run character.

The airline’s fleet has evolved significantly since its early days, when it initially relied on small piston-engine aircraft. Today, Air Chathams operates a modern fleet of turboprop aircraft, primarily consisting of the ATR 72 (both -500 and -600 series variants) and the Saab 340B. These aircraft are well-suited to the airline’s operational requirements, offering a balance of passenger capacity, range, and performance on the relatively short runways typical of the Chatham Islands. In addition to its passenger fleet, Air Chathams also operates a single Cessna 310 for light charter and utility flights, and historically possessed Convair 580 aircraft for freight and mail services. However, the Convair has since been retired, and the airline now relies on its ATR and Saab fleet for both scheduled services and occasional charter work. The fleet is known for its reliability and suitability for the challenging weather conditions frequently encountered in the region.

Air Chathams functions primarily as a regional scheduled carrier, but its operational model also encompasses charter flights, freight and mail transport, medevac services, and contract work for government and corporate clients. The airline does not label itself as a low-cost carrier, nor does it operate as a flag carrier; instead, it occupies a niche role as a community-focused regional airline that prioritises dependability and passenger comfort over ultra-low fares. Its primary hub and home base is Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport (CHT), from which the majority of its operations originate. The airline also maintains a significant secondary base at Auckland Airport, which serves as a major logistics and crew centre. This dual-base structure allows Air Chathams to efficiently manage its network while ensuring consistent connectivity between the Chatham Islands and the mainland. The airline is not a member of any global airline alliance, instead relying on its own independent brand and interline agreements.

Notable milestones in Air Chathams’ history include its role as the first airline to introduce the ATR 72 into commercial service in New Zealand, a move that modernised its operations and improved passenger experience. In 2014, the airline celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of uninterrupted service to the Chatham Islands community. Over the years, Air Chathams has earned recognition for its exceptional customer service and operational reliability, often receiving praise from passengers and industry observers alike. The airline has also been instrumental in supporting the economic and social development of the Chatham Islands, providing a lifeline for residents and businesses through its steadfast commitment to year-round, all-weather operations.