Whisper Jet makes Aviation History

Air National made aviation history in October by operating the first commercial charter flight across the Tasman in a BAe 146 Whisper Jet. A Corporate group of over 60 passengers chartered the aircraft to fly them from Sydney to Christchurch for a 4 day conference . Passengers enjoyed a full champagne service flight,  reminiscent of the golden age of flying.

Air Nationals Aircraft Charter Manager Paul Aston said “ the flight went like clockwork and we could not have been more proud of the result”. With the first maiden flight completed this now opens up the doors and charter opportunties for  group transportation across the tasman and into the South Pacific.

The Whisper Jet is the ideal aircraft for this application being able to offer groups of up to 70 passengers in economy class or the new 48 business class seat configuration. Whisper is already booked for a another charter early Novermber which will see her flying back across the tasman once again.

Air National brings Whisper Jet back to New Zealand Skies

.Air National took delivery of a BAE146-200 (Whisper Jet) from British Aerospace Industries in Calgary, Canada on Thursday 11 December. Accepting the aircraft were CEO Jason Gray and Chief Engineer Brian Freeman.

The aircraft undertook a two day ferry flight to its new home via Alaska and the Pacific, before touching down at Auckland Airport on Monday evening, 15 December.

The new addition to Air National’s existing fleet of Five 19-seat Jetstream J32’s was chosen over Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft as it not only

provides much needed capacity to the New Zealand Air Charter market, it has the ability to service New Zealand’s popular Regional Airports.

The BAE146-200 will be the most modern aircraft available for charter in NZ and provides superior cabin comfort through a newly refurbished interior offering 84 Economy class seats in a 2-3 configuration, or 48 Business Class seats in a 2-2 configuration. The aircraft has forward and rear Galley’s and toilets, and will be operated with two flight attendants on all charter flights.

The Aircraft will undergo a final engineering audit at Air National’s Engineering Services Facility in Auckland, New Zealand Civil Aviation (CAA) certification and a fresh paint scheme before taking its first charter flight in late February/early March 2009.