Kiwi Regional Airlines (Hamilton, NZ) says it has switched its initial fleet options from BAe Systems' Jetstream type to the Saab 340A. Initial services will require two aircraft with a third due thereafter.

With its certification now set to commence in May, the start-up is planning to offer scheduled passenger air services between New Zealand's North and South Islands beginning in late 2015/early 2016. Among its planned launch destinations include Auckland Whenuapai (subject to Royal New Zealand Air Force approval), Auckland International, Hamilton, NZ, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson, NZ, Dunedin and Queenstown International.

“Our name says a lot – regional New Zealand has been left off the air route map unless you want to travel to the three largest centres," KRA Chief Executive Ewan Wilson said. “We intend to complement existing offerings; to fill the gaps and to make travel between regional centres as fast and affordable as possible."

Aside from Wilson, who also headed up the now defunct budget operation, Kiwi Travel International Airlines (Hamilton, NZ), Kiwi Regional Airlines is backed by travel baron Nicole Domett and 2 Cheap Cars, a used car importer and retailer.