| 29 Regional airport establishes its niche Whanganui - Whanganui Airport - Air Wanganui T T Richard Loader REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Located alongside the Whanganui River, Whanganui Airport’s story began with flight training on a grass strip in 1930, carried on throughout the war years and continued in that vein after the war as a back up to nearby Ohakea. It was not untll 1954 when NAC (National Airways Corporation) commenced DC3 passenger services into Whanganui. The airport’s runway was later sealed enabling the use Fokker Friendships. An iconic angled wedged shaped control tower was designed and built in 1959, setting the standard for many of New Zealand regional airports. As passenger numbers declined in the ‘80s, service to the airport also reduced and the control tower fell into disuse and disrepair. In 2002 a tower restoration group was formed to bring it back to its former glory. When Air New Zealand ceased servicing the region five years ago, Air Chathams plugged the gap commencing operation from Whanganui Airport to provide a much-needed regional service. Today, the airport’s infrastructure encompasses a terminal building, mainly used for Air Chathams, and is also home to a café. “Currently, we have one sealed runway and three grassed runways,” says Phil McBride, Airport Manager. “There are six key businesses at the airport. The biggest in terms of aircraft movements is the New Zealand International Commercial Pilots Academy (NZICPA), which attracts many international students. “Eighty five percent of our movements are from the flying academy.” Before NZICPA started operation at Whanganui Airport there were 20,000 movements a year — that’s 10,000 landing and 10,000 take-offs. The airport’s 12 month rolling movements are now 61,000 and just before Covid reached 63,000. Air Wanganui operates two King Air aircraft and one C90 from Whanganui Airport, mostly providing aeromedical and some charter work. “Eighty five percent of our movements are from the flying academy.” “We’re well placed for aviation training because there are lots of places that student pilots can fly to that aren’t too far away. Other aviation schools come here as well.” In addition to the Academy, Air Wanganui is very busy operating two King Air aircraft and one C90, mostly providing aeromedical and some charter work. Like most airports, Whanganui Airport is home to an aero club and Ravensdown Aerowork is based there maintaining all their Cresco top dressing aircraft and specialised truck units. Last but not least, Mid West Helicopters bases itself at the busy airport. The increase in flight movements, and diversity of those movements, triggered an aeronautical study at the airport that identified the need for some infrastructure improvements. One of those improvements was the implementation of a Unicom service. Essentially an aerodrome information service, Unicom is not to be confused with air traffic control that provides landing and take off instructions. “Currently, when a pilot flies into an unattended airfield like Whanganui the pilot makes a broadcast call and any pilots in the area respond to say what they are doing. It’s then up to the pilots to coordinate their own separation.” With a Unicom service, the pilot calls the Unicom operator, housed in the control tower, who passes on information that has been previously reported or observed. “Pilots will still make broadcast calls, but Unicom increases awareness of all air traffic and provides additional safety. “That system will be implemented in April,” says Phil. “We’re also in the final stages of design and pre-tender work for a parallel runway to enhance air traffic efficiency.” SPECIALISTS SINCE 1978 PROUDLY SUPPORTING WHANGANUI AIRPORT For all enquiries contact Jamie or Trent 363 Heads Road, Wanganui, 4501 Ph: 06 3445065 Fax: 06 3445007 After Hours: 021 242 5525 Email: office@garmac.co.nz ▪ Structural ▪ Full Machining ▪ Profile Cutting ▪ General Maintenance ▪ Certified Welding ▪ Steel Stockists Moore Markhams is a network of independent firms that are each members of Moore Global Network Limited. Member firms in principal cities throughout the world. Accountants and Advisors Moore Markhams Wanganui Proudly Supporting Air Whanganui Ready to work smarter? Let’s talk Get in touch and let us help you thrive in a changing world. 06 349 0888 › markhams.co.nz
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