What Originair does

Originair is a privately held, Nelson-based regional airline that operates scheduled passenger flights across New Zealand's North and South Islands. Founded in 2014 by Robert Inglis (CEO) and Nicki Smith — both veterans of earlier regional ventures Air Nelson (1979) and Origin Pacific Airways (1996) — the carrier operates a fleet of three British Aerospace Jetstream 32 turboprops in an 18-seat, two-pilot configuration. Its network spans six destinations — Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North, Westport, Blenheim, and Christchurch — connected by routes such as Wellington–Nelson, Nelson–Palmerston North, Wellington–Westport (seasonal), Blenheim–Christchurch, and Blenheim–Palmerston North. Headquartered at 1 Trent Drive, Nelson Airport, the company is structured as Origin Air Limited under New Zealand law.

The airline sells exclusively through direct channels — its own website (powered by booking platform provider Takeflite) and a New Zealand call centre (0800 380 380) — and does not list on third-party aggregators. Product structure spans scheduled passenger fares across four classes (Advanced Special, Saver, Flexi Saver, Flexi Refund), 10-Trip Ticket voucher bundles (up to 28% savings, transferable, 12-month validity), the Originair Rewards loyalty programme (one free flight after 12 qualifying one-way flights within 12 months), group bookings (8+ passengers), charters for businesses/sports teams/events, animal transport for cats and small dogs, and small freight carriage. All fares include 15kg checked baggage and 7kg carry-on with no booking fees.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring scheduled airfares, with transactional contributions from ancillary fees (excess baggage NZD 20–60, animal transport from NZD 200, NZD 50 change fees on Saver fares), charter and group bookings, and prepaid voucher sales. Customer segments are regional business travellers, leisure travellers visiting family, event-based travellers (rugby, festivals, wine events), and medical/essential travel passengers in smaller communities. Expansion has been concentrated in 2024–2025 with the Wellington–Westport route takeover from Sounds Air (January 2025), two new Blenheim routes (October 2025), and a March 2025 website relaunch. No external funding, M&A, or institutional investment is disclosed; the company appears founder-owned with headcount in the 11–50 range.

Name

Originair

Legal name

Origin Air Limited

Website

https://originair.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Originair is a privately held Nelson-based regional airline operating three 18-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft across New Zealand routes. It provides scheduled passenger flights and charters connecting underserved regional communities including Nelson, Wellington, Westport, Palmerston North, Blenheim, and Christchurch.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Air Transportation

NAICS

Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation (481111), Scheduled Air Transportation (4811)

SIC

Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512)

akta.pro primary industry

Independent Point-to-Point Regional Airlines (THABACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Turboprop Regional Airlines (THABACAJ), Thin-Route / Rural Community Regional Airlines (THABACAI)

Keywords

• Regional airline services
• Scheduled passenger flights
• Charter flight services
• Air freight transport
• Loyalty rewards program

Headquarters

HQ city

Nelson

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Scheduled Passenger Airfares: Originair sells scheduled passenger flights across six routes in New Zealand. Revenue is generated through multiple fare classes (Advanced Special/Saver/Flexi Saver/Flexi Refund) with varying change and refund conditions. All fares include 15kg checked baggage and 7kg carry-on. Additional revenue comes from excess baggage fees, animal transport ($200 per one-way flight), and freight carriage.
2. Charter Services: Originair offers charter flights for businesses, sports teams, convention attendees and other groups. Charter flights provide privacy, schedule flexibility, direct routing, and cost-effective transport. Charter flights are sometimes offered as repositioning flights at discounted fares to fill otherwise empty return legs.
3. Group Bookings: Groups of 8 or more can access special fares on scheduled services. A 30% deposit is required within 7 days of confirmation, full payment and passenger names due 30 days prior. Group bookings are managed via call centre or email, offering personalised service.
4. 10-Trip Ticket Vouchers: Bundle of 10 seat vouchers sold at fixed cost (up to 28% savings vs individual fares), transferable and valid for 12 months. Revenue is recognised per voucher redeemed. Seats are changeable up to 2 hours before departure.
5. Ancillary Services: Fees for excess baggage ($20-$60 depending on weight), second baggage piece ($60), oversized items ($50), and animal transport ($200 per one-way flight; $250 for two flights; $75 for animal accompanying passenger). Administration fee of $50 per change on Saver fares.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Originair operates scheduled regional passenger flights connecting six New Zealand destinations (Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North, Westport, Blenheim, and Christchurch) using three British Aerospace Jetstream 32 turboprops in an 18-seat, two-pilot configuration. The airline also sells charter flights, group bookings, 10-Trip Ticket voucher bundles, and ancillary services including animal transport and small freight carriage.

Product overview

Originair is a Nelson-based regional airline offering scheduled passenger flights, charter services, and freight transport across New Zealand. The core offering consists of scheduled regional routes operated with British Aerospace Jetstream aircraft (18-seat, two-pilot crew configuration) connecting Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North, Westport, Blenheim, and Christchurch. Supporting products include the 10-Trip Tickets bundle vouchers for frequent travellers, the Originair Rewards loyalty program offering free flights after 12 paid flights, group booking services for 8+ passengers, and charter services for private travel. Additional services encompass animal transportation (cats and small dogs) and small freight carriage.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scheduled Passenger Flights Scheduled regional passenger airline services connecting six New Zealand destinations (Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North, Westport, Blenheim, Christchurch) using 18-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft with two-pilot crew. Sold via originair.co.nz and call centre across four fare classes (Advanced Special, Saver, Flexi Saver, Flexi Refund). All fares include 15kg checked baggage and 7kg carry-on.
• 10-Trip Tickets Bundle of 10 pre-purchased flight vouchers at fixed cost offering up to 28% savings versus individual one-way fares. Vouchers are transferable between passengers, valid for 12 months, non-refundable, and seats can be changed up to 2 hours before departure at no charge. Designed for frequent travellers, group travel, and businesses.
• Originair Rewards Frequent flyer loyalty programme where members earn one reward point per paid one-way flight; 12 flights within a 12-month period earn one free one-way flight. Points are personal to the member and expire 12 months after the earning flight. Free flights are redeemable by the member or gifted to another person.
• Charter Services Tailored charter flights for businesses, sports teams, convention attendees and other groups, offering privacy, schedule flexibility, direct routing, and cost-effective transport. Some charter flights are offered as repositioning services at discounted fares to fill empty return legs. Enquiries handled via call centre and [email protected].
• Group Bookings Special fares and personalised booking service for groups of 8 or more passengers on scheduled services. A 30% deposit is required within 7 days of confirmation, with full payment and passenger names due 30 days prior. Name changes permitted up to departure. Managed via the call centre or dedicated email.
• Animal Transportation Transportation service for cats and small dogs in approved airline crates, with flat-rate pricing starting at $200 per one-way flight ($250 for two flights; $75 for an animal accompanying the passenger). Animals travel in the baggage hold with last-loaded, first-unloaded handling.
• Freight Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 28% savings with 10-Trip Tickets vs individual one-way fares
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• The Rutherford HotelminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 April 2025Collaborated with Originair to donate a Nelson adventure package (hotel stay + activities) as an auction item at the Kapiti Coastguard Charity Ball. This joint donation leveraged Originair's flight product with the hotel's accommodation to create a high-value prize supporting a charitable cause.
• Cable Bay Adventure ParkminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 April 2025Partnered with Originair and The Rutherford Hotel to donate a combined Nelson region experience package for the Kapiti Coastguard Charity Ball auction. Cable Bay Adventure Park contributed adventure activities to the prize bundle, complementing Originair's flights and the hotel's accommodation.
• Nelson Centre for Musical ArtsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2025Venue partner for the Nelson Symphony Orchestra's 'American Soundscapes' concert. Originair provided discounted airfares to bring in Wellington-based musicians, enabling the orchestra to stage the performance. The partnership supports cultural events in Nelson using Originair's regional connectivity.
• Fifeshire FoundationminorOthers · 19 March 2025Originair donated flights to Wellington and Wellington Royal Golf Club passes as auction items at the 2025 Fifeshire Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, raising $2,100 for local community support. This is a charitable partnership rather than a commercial one.
• TakeflitecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Takeflite is Originair's booking technology and website provider. Originair's website (originair.co.nz) and booking engine (apps1.tflite.com) are built and hosted by Takeflite. The airline relies on this platform for all direct ticket sales, seat reservations, and e-ticketing. This is a critical operational partnership underpinning the airline's direct sales distribution model.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Air Chathams: New Zealand regional airline operating Saab 340 and Convair 580 turboprops on underserviced domestic routes (Whakatane, Auckland, Kapiti, Chatham Islands). Closest like-for-like peer to Originair in terms of fleet type, regional niche strategy, and direct-to-consumer GTM.
• Harbour Air: Canadian seaplane regional operator running scheduled passenger services between Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and other Pacific Northwest points with a small fleet of DHC-3/DHC-6 aircraft. Closest international analogue to Originair in operating small, premium-configured turboprops on short scheduled regional hops with a strong regional brand.
• Barrier Air: Small New Zealand regional airline operating Cessna Grand Caravans between Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and other North Island destinations. Comparable as a small, founder-driven regional carrier focused on point-to-point routes bypassed by the major airline.
• Sounds Air: New Zealand regional airline operating twin-engine pressurised aircraft (Pilatus PC-12, Cessna Grand Caravan) across Cook Strait and lower North Island routes, including Wellington–Westport until Originair replaced it. Directly comparable in fleet size, route mix, and target regional business/leisure passengers.
• Golden Bay Air: Nelson/Takaka-based regional New Zealand airline operating small Cessna and Britten-Norman aircraft on short-haul routes such as Wellington–Takaka. Directly overlaps with Originair in Nelson catchment and unserved-corridor thesis.

Broad incumbents

• Air New Zealand: The dominant New Zealand flag carrier, operating turboprop regional services (ATR 72/Q300) across domestic trunk and regional routes including Nelson, Blenheim, Palmerston North, Westport and Christchurch. Same customer base and regulatory environment, but at national-network scale.

Emerging players

• Sunair Aviation: New Zealand regional operator flying scenic and scheduled services between Auckland, Great Barrier, Tauranga, and Northland. Smaller and more tourism-weighted than Originair, but competes for the same leisure regional traveller pool in the upper North Island.
• Stewart Island Flights (SiFly): Small NZ regional carrier connecting Invercargill and Stewart Island with Cessna and Britten-Norman aircraft. Comparable as a small, route-bespoke regional operator focused on essential-service corridors underserved by Air New Zealand.
• Air Whakatāne: Small New Zealand regional carrier operating Cessna Grand Caravans on the Whakatane–Auckland and Whakatane–Wellington corridors. Comparable to Originair in size, regional-underserved thesis, and direct-only distribution.

Regional players

• Skookum Air / Pacific Coastal Airlines: Canadian regional operator flying Beechcraft 1900 and other small turboprops on British Columbia scheduled commuter routes under Skookum Air and Pacific Coastal brands. International counterpart to Originair in terms of aircraft size, regulatory environment (commercial passenger), and thin-route economics.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OriginAirNZ
• Facebookfacebook.com/Originair
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/originair

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Originair