Articles tagged with Island Air

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Government Grants $5.7M to Support Regional Airlines Amid Rising Costs

The Regional Infrastructure Fund will allocate $5.7 million in working capital grants to regional airlines to help them manage rising operating costs, particularly due to increased fuel prices, and maintain essential regional air services. These temporary, targeted grants, ranging from $300,000 to $1.2 million, are based on airlines’ passenger volumes and flight movements, with the expectation that service levels will be preserved. This funding complements nearly $26 million already provided in loans for aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and debt refinancing, demonstrating the Government's commitment to sustaining regional connectivity and supporting remote communities.

Government Grants $22 Million to Support New Zealand Regional Airlines and Connectivity

Three regional airlines—Air Chathams, Sounds Air, and Island Air—will receive loans from the $30 million Regional Infrastructure Fund to refinance debt, upgrade fleets, and maintain essential air services connecting remote communities. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager emphasize the importance of these airlines for regional connectivity, economic wellbeing, and access to healthcare, especially amid pressures from rising fuel costs and global uncertainties. The government is also considering temporarily adjusting loan conditions to support airlines further and continues to assess additional funding applications.