Passenger airline Sunair Aviation has officially landed – and taken off again – in Whakatāne.

Monday morning was the official launch of the airline at Whakatāne Airport, with a blessing by Ngāti Awa hapū Ngai Taiwhakaea.

Sunair owner Dan Power said the company had not introduced a new route since bringing Wairoa into the network three years ago.

“Today it is Whakatāne’s turn.”

The Tauranga-based airline offers flights from Whakatāne Airport to Hamilton, Gisborne and Napier.

Mr Power said the company looked forward to offering Eastern Bay people extra connectivity, including with the link to Hamilton, which from June would allow people to take Jetstar’s flights across the Tasman.

“We will be running flights to Hamilton at considerably reduced prices for people who want to take those flights.

“That's something we’re just announcing today over and above the normal connections we have around the provinces.

“We will do our best to offer you a good service, so you can get around the country easily in the future – or at least the North Island.”

Mr Power started Sunair 35 years ago in Tauranga and now has flights operating across the North Island to airports including Whangārei, Whitianga and Great Barrier, in addition to those included in the Whakatāne network.

He said those years had culminated in more than 100,000 hours of air transport without incident.

Mr Power thanked the attending Whakatāne District Council staff for their support in helping Sunair expand into the district.

“Support is essential to an airline when they start something new, because it takes time to build patronage. The council has been most helpful.”