Airline
Originair has its roots in more than 30 years of professional passenger airline operation.
In 1979, Robert Inglis started Air Nelson which was bought by Air New Zealand. Robert and partner Nicki Smith went on to start Origin Pacific Airways in 1996. Origin Pacific’s keen pricing, convenient schedules, reliability and 100 per cent safety record made it a favourite airline for regional customers for ten years.
Robert and Nicki took the opportunity to develop their existing operation and Nelson Tasman-based airline Originair was established in 2014.
Originair is a dedicated, professional passenger operation, linking regional centres with a customer-driven schedule of direct services from Nelson to Palmerston North, Nelson to Wellington, and Palmerston North to Hamilton.
Originair is New Zealand owned and operated, providing safe, comfortable, point-to-point travel nationally, including charter services on demand.
Originair prides itself on delivering excellent on-time performance, direct and personal customer service, and reliably mid-range pricing. Its experienced crew are compassionate and friendly, and strive to always provide flexibility and choice to Originair customers.
Aircraft
Originair’s Air Operating Certificate has been issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and as of 29 November 2019 we will utilise our British Aerospace Jetstream aircraft for our scheduled and chartered services.
With 18 leather seats, a 2×1 seat configuration with an off-set aisle and good head room, these aircraft are ideally suited to the Originair operation.
The aircraft have a pressurised cabin, twin turbo prop engines and are flown by a two-pilot crew. With approximately 500 Jetstreams flying worldwide, these British Aerospace aircraft are purpose built for economical regional services and are renowned in many countries for their comfort and reliability.
People
Robert Inglis is the CEO of Originair Limited. Robert is based in Nelson and is a director of Inglis Aircraft Ltd and is also the owner of Northwood Hop Co Ltd.
Robert’s aviation legacy started in 1979, when he set up Air Nelson, which was later brought by Air New Zealand and continues today as Air New Zealand Link. Mr Inglis and partner Nicki Smith went on to start Origin Pacific Airways, which operated for a decade until 2006.
Robert brings a strong passion for aviation and an in-depth and professional understanding of the aviation sector to his role at Originair.
Tania Armstrong is the Customer Service Manager for Originair Ltd and has been with Originair since December 2019.
Tania began her aviation career in 2000 at Wellington Airport and has held various customer service roles working for other airlines and ground handlers prior to commencing with Originair.
Tania is passionate about aviation and customer service. Her tasks at Originair include check in, aircraft marshalling, baggage handling, managing ground staff, training staff and ensuring new destinations airports are ready for Originair operations. You will also find her in our call centre helping with passenger enquiries and reservations.
Tania now helps manage the flight schedule and many other administrations tasks.