Air Chathams (3C, Chatham Island) has finally retired its last passenger CV-580, its last destination being the National Toy and Transport Museum in Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island.
The final flight on May 21, 2022, of the 69-year-old ZK-CIB (msn 327A) from Auckland International to Wanaka was also the last take-off of a passenger Convair turboprop in the world, according to a social media post by the airline.
Before the final flight, Chief Executive Officer Graig Emeny and the airline's Auckland team wrote farewell messages on the aircraft's rear pressure bulkhead. "There's a very special place for this aircraft not only in my life and my company's life but really also to the Chathams Island community as well," Emeny said.
As reported, Air Chathams had initially planned to retire the aircraft on July 29, 2021, and then again on September 17, 2021. Indeed, the last scheduled flight took place in July 2021. Still, the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand created demand for ad hoc Convair cargo runs between Chatham Island, Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.
Air Chathams earlier retired two other CV-580s - ZK-KFL (msn 372) in October 2020 and ZK-CIE (msn 399) in April 2021.
According to the ch-aviation fleets and ch-aviation schedules modules and the airline's website, its fleet now comprises:
- three Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner twin-turboprops, used on the route between Auckland and Paraparaumu;
- three Saab 340s: two active Saab 340A(QC)s and one Saab 340B (all owned). The Saab 340As are used between Auckland and Whanganui; and the Saab340B between Auckland, Norfolk Island, Paraparaumu, and Whanganui;
- an ATR72-500 (owned) deployed between Auckland, Chatham Island, Christchurch, and Wellington;
- a Cessna (single turboprop) 206; and
- a historic DC-3 is used for scenic flights and ad hoc charters.
Air Chathams serves two countries (Air New Zealand and Norfolk Island) and eight destinations.
The privately-owned airline, founded by Emeny in 1984, found a niche by providing a vital air link between Chatham Island and mainland New Zealand. It pioneered the transport of live rock lobster from the islands and now flies more than 300 tonnes of cargo annually. It operates a secondary base at Auckland International Airport.
