About Air Chathams
Air Chathams (IATA: 3C, ICAO: CVA) is New Zealand's largest privately owned airline, offering scheduled passenger services, charter flights, and cargo operations. Founded in 1984 by Craig and Marion Emeny, the airline is headquartered on the Chatham Islands and has grown from a small regional carrier into a vital transport link connecting remote island communities with mainland New Zealand.
Originally established to provide reliable air service between the Chatham Islands and the New Zealand mainland, Air Chathams has expanded its network to include several regional destinations across New Zealand's North and South Islands. The airline also operates services to Norfolk Island, making it a key player in trans-Tasman regional aviation. With a focus on safety, reliability, and personalised service, Air Chathams continues to serve communities that depend on air connectivity for daily life and commerce.
Airline Overview and History
Air Chathams has a rich history spanning over four decades of regional aviation in New Zealand. Below are some of the airline's key milestones:
- 1984: Air Chathams was founded by Craig and Marion Emeny to provide scheduled flights between the Chatham Islands and mainland New Zealand.
- Early operations: The airline began with smaller aircraft including the Cessna Super Skymaster and later introduced larger types such as the Fairchild Metro III and Douglas DC-3.
- Convair 580 era: Air Chathams operated the Convair 580 turboprop for many years, providing essential passenger and cargo services to the Chatham Islands. The type was retired in 2021.
- Fleet modernisation: The airline transitioned to the Saab 340 and ATR 72-500, both of which are modern turboprop aircraft suited to regional operations.
- Mainland expansion: Air Chathams expanded its route network to include services from Auckland to Whakatane, Whanganui, and the Kapiti Coast, providing vital links for regional communities.
- 2019: The airline launched a weekly service from Auckland to Norfolk Island, expanding its international reach.
- 2020: Air Chathams introduced the Green Miles frequent flyer programme, rewarding loyal passengers with points towards free flights.
- 2025: Air New Zealand and Air Chathams announced an interline partnership effective from March 2026, allowing passengers to book combined itineraries on a single ticket with through check-in for baggage.
Today, the airline's hub is at Auckland Airport, with its operational base remaining on the Chatham Islands at Tuuta Airport. Air Chathams is committed to connecting New Zealand's regional communities with safe, reliable, and friendly air services.
Fleet and Aircraft
Air Chathams operates a fleet of nine aircraft across three types, each selected for its suitability to the airline's regional and island routes. The fleet includes:
- ATR 72-500: Two aircraft in the fleet. This twin-engine turboprop seats 68 passengers, cruises at approximately 500 km/h, and reaches a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet. It features a pressurised cabin, in-flight catering, and toilet facilities. One ATR 72-500 is dedicated to Chatham Islands services, while the other is used for charter work and national touring.
- Saab 340 (A and B variants): These Swedish-made turboprops seat up to 34 passengers in a single-class configuration. Crewed by two pilots and one flight attendant, the Saab 340 features galley facilities for in-flight food and beverage service. These aircraft operate the mainland regional routes from Auckland.
- Cessna 206: A single-engine piston aircraft used for inter-island flights within the Chatham Islands group, including services to Pitt Island. This workhorse of the fleet is essential for connecting the smaller islands.
All aircraft in the Air Chathams fleet are maintained to the highest safety standards under New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations. The airline's choice of turboprop aircraft is well-suited to the shorter runways found at regional airports across New Zealand.
Top Flight Routes
Air Chathams connects several regional and island destinations across New Zealand. Here are some of the airline's most popular routes:
- Auckland to Chatham Islands: The flagship route, operating weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes aboard the ATR 72-500.
- Wellington to Chatham Islands: Twice-weekly services on Mondays and Fridays, providing South Island travellers with convenient access to the Chatham Islands.
- Christchurch to Chatham Islands: A weekly Tuesday service connecting the South Island's largest city with the Chatham Islands.
- Auckland to Wellington: A popular domestic trunk route connecting New Zealand's largest city with its capital.
- Auckland to Christchurch: Connecting the North Island hub with the South Island's largest city.
- Auckland to Whakatane: A quick 45-minute flight linking Auckland with the Bay of Plenty region.
- Auckland to Whanganui: Approximately one hour of flight time, connecting the Manawatu region to Auckland.
- Auckland to Kapiti Coast: Around 1 hour 10 minutes, serving the coastal community north of Wellington.
- Auckland to Norfolk Island: An international route launched in 2019, with a flight time of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
If you are travelling from Malaysia to New Zealand, you can search for connecting flights on Traveloka. Popular routes from Malaysia include Kuala Lumpur to Auckland, Kuala Lumpur to Wellington, and Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Air Chathams offers three fare types, each with different baggage inclusions. Understanding these allowances will help you plan your trip and avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
Checked Baggage
- Thrifty Fare: No checked baggage included. You may purchase one checked bag (23 kg) for NZD 35 online or NZD 55 at the airport for mainland routes. For Chatham Islands and Norfolk Island flights, the charge is NZD 70 online or NZD 90 at the airport.
- Saver Fare: One piece of checked baggage (23 kg) included.
- Full Economy Fare: Two pieces of checked baggage (23 kg each) included.
Carry-on Baggage
- All fare types: One piece of carry-on baggage weighing up to 7 kg with maximum linear dimensions of 115 cm (length + width + height).
Excess and Oversize Baggage
- Excess weight charge: NZD 3.50 per kilogram, up to a maximum of 32 kg per single piece of luggage.
- Maximum dimensions: Each checked piece must not exceed 158 cm in total linear dimensions.
- Bulky items: A handling fee of NZD 50 per bulky item applies.
- Infant allowance: Passengers travelling with infants (7 days to under 24 months) receive an additional 5 kg luggage allowance, plus two free specialty items such as car seats or strollers.
Prohibited Items
As with all airlines, Air Chathams prohibits dangerous goods in both checked and carry-on baggage. These include flammable liquids, compressed gases, explosives, and other items restricted by New Zealand aviation regulations. Always check the airline's official website for the latest prohibited items list before packing.
Check-in Guide
Air Chathams requires all passengers to complete check-in before boarding. Here is what you need to know:
Airport Counter Check-in
- Chatham Islands flights: Passengers must be checked in at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- All other flights (mainland and Norfolk Island): Passengers must be checked in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Online Check-in
Air Chathams offers online check-in through its website. Passengers can check in online before heading to the airport, saving time on arrival. Visit the Air Chathams booking portal to access online check-in for your flight.
You can also check the status of your Air Chathams flight using the Traveloka Flight Status page to stay updated on any schedule changes.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Air Chathams operates a single cabin class — Economy — across its entire fleet. Despite being a regional carrier, the airline provides a comfortable and pleasant flying experience.
Seating
- ATR 72-500: 68 seats arranged in a comfortable configuration with adequate legroom for regional flights.
- Saab 340: 34 seats in a 1-2 or 2-2 configuration, offering generous legroom compared to larger aircraft. Standard seat pitch is approximately 30 inches with a seat width of 17 inches.
In-Flight Service
The airline provides complimentary in-flight catering on most services, with cabin crew serving snacks and beverages during the flight. The Saab 340 features a dedicated galley for food and beverage preparation, while the ATR 72-500 also offers in-flight catering and toilet facilities.
Due to the shorter flight durations on regional routes (typically 45 minutes to 2.5 hours), there is no dedicated in-flight entertainment system. However, the scenic views of New Zealand's landscapes and coastline make every Air Chathams flight a memorable experience.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Air Chathams accommodates a wide range of passenger needs. Here are the key policies for special categories of travellers:
Children and Infants
- Infants (7 days to under 24 months): Travel free on domestic flights when accompanied by a paying adult. Infants cannot occupy a separate seat and must be held on an adult's lap. Infant accessories such as car seats and portable cots are carried at no extra charge.
- Children (24 months to 12 years): Children's fares are available where applicable.
- Unaccompanied minors (5 to 11 years): Children aged 5 to 11 may travel alone provided they do not require special care such as toileting, feeding, or administering medication. A completed unaccompanied minor form must be presented at check-in. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult aged 15 years or older.
Pregnant Passengers
- Single pregnancy: Passengers may travel up to 37 weeks of pregnancy, provided the pregnancy is deemed uncomplicated by a medical professional.
- Multiple pregnancy: Travel is permitted up to 31 weeks. Beyond this, medical clearance is required.
- It is recommended to notify Air Chathams at the time of booking if you are pregnant so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Special Assistance
- Mobility assistance: Passengers with mobility difficulties or those requiring wheelchair assistance should arrange this in advance with Air Chathams. The airline will make reasonable arrangements for assisted boarding and disembarkation.
- Service dogs: Accredited service dogs from organisations recognised by Assistance Dogs International, International Guide Dog Federation, or New Zealand-approved bodies are carried free of charge.
- Passengers requiring special care: Anyone needing assistance with toileting, feeding, or medication must be accompanied by an adult aged 15 years or older who can provide the necessary care.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Air Chathams operates the Green Miles loyalty programme, which rewards frequent travellers with points towards free flights. Here is how it works:
- Membership: Free to join. Create a personal account on the Air Chathams website to start earning miles.
- Earning miles: All flights and fare classes — including Thrifty fares — are eligible for Green Miles. The higher the fare value, the more miles you earn. Miles correspond to the nautical mile distance between airports.
- Redeeming miles: Accumulated miles can be redeemed for free flights. For example, 120 miles can be redeemed for a free Auckland to Whakatane flight.
- Tier levels: The programme features tiered membership including Gold and Platinum levels. Tier status is calculated using a rolling 365-day window that continuously tracks eligible coupons and miles earned.
- Gold and Platinum benefits: Higher-tier members enjoy complimentary seat pre-selection and other perks.
- Retrospective claims: Members can claim miles for previous Air Chathams flights within 30 days of the flight date.
With over 1,100 members and more than 1,000 miles collectively redeemed for free flights, Green Miles is a rewarding programme for regular Air Chathams travellers.
Why Book Air Chathams Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes it easy and convenient to search, compare, and book Air Chathams flights. Here are some reasons to book through Traveloka:
- Easy search and comparison: Compare Air Chathams fares with other airlines on a single platform. Find the best prices and schedules for your preferred travel dates.
- Flexible payment options: Pay using credit or debit cards, bank transfers, or popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-tickets: Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket directly to your email after payment, with no need to visit a physical counter.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's customer service team is available around the clock to assist with booking enquiries, changes, and cancellations.
- Traveloka Points: Earn Traveloka Points with every booking, which can be redeemed for discounts on future travel purchases.
- Price alerts: Set up fare alerts to be notified when prices drop for your preferred Air Chathams routes.
- Bundled deals: Combine your Air Chathams flight with hotel bookings, airport transfers, or travel insurance for additional savings.
Air Chathams Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Finding affordable Air Chathams flights is easier when you know the right strategies. Here are some tips to help you save on your next trip:
- Book early: Fares tend to be lower when booked well in advance. Aim to book at least two to four weeks before your travel date for the best prices.
- Travel midweek: Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than weekend departures. If your schedule is flexible, consider flying on off-peak days.
- Use Traveloka Price Alerts: Set alerts for your preferred routes and receive notifications when fares drop. This feature helps you lock in the lowest available fare.
- Check Traveloka promotions: Traveloka regularly offers promotional codes and seasonal discounts on flights. Visit the Traveloka app or website to browse current deals.
- Choose Thrifty fares: If you are travelling light with carry-on only, Air Chathams' Thrifty fares offer the lowest base price. You can always add checked baggage online at a lower rate than at the airport.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid school holidays and public holiday periods to find lower fares. Shoulder seasons often offer the best value.
- Bundle your booking: Combine flights with accommodation and other travel products on Traveloka for package discounts.
How to Book Air Chathams Tickets on Traveloka
Booking your Air Chathams flight on Traveloka is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Visit Traveloka: Open the Traveloka app or go to traveloka.com/en-my on your browser.
- Select Flights: Tap or click on the Flights tab on the homepage.
- Enter your travel details: Choose your departure and arrival cities, select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers.
- Search for flights: Click the Search button to view available Air Chathams flights along with other airline options.
- Compare and select: Review the available flights, comparing prices, departure times, and baggage allowances. Select the Air Chathams flight that best suits your needs.
- Enter passenger details: Fill in the required passenger information, including full name as it appears on your travel document, contact details, and any special requests.
- Choose your payment method: Select from credit or debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay.
- Complete your booking: Review your booking summary and confirm payment. Your e-ticket will be sent to your registered email address immediately.
Once your booking is confirmed, you can manage your reservation through the Traveloka app, including checking flight status, adding baggage, or making changes to your itinerary.