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| Founded | 1992 | |||
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| Hubs | Kerikeri | |||
| Secondary hubs | Auckland Airport | |||
| Fleet size | 5 | |||
| Destinations | Kerikeri, Waitiki Landing, North Shore, Haruru Falls, Whangarei | |||
| Company slogan | Northland - Best seen from above | |||
| Headquarters | Paihia waterfront, Bay of Islands, New Zealand | |||
| Key people | Grant Harnish (CEO /Owner) | |||
| Website | http://www.saltair.co.nz | |||
Salt Air is a New Zealand airline based in Paihia in the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei, it is close to the northern tip of the country. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s and is magnificent are to fly over, there is no other way to truly appreciate the beauty of this area.
Salt Air also provides services in Aerial Fire fighting, commercial lifting and survey work for the local power line companies.
For those wishing to travel between Auckland, Whangarei and the Bay of Islands Salt Air offer's scheduled air services with a base at Kerikeri Airport, flights depart daily except Saturdays. In Auckland Salt Air lands at North Shore Aerodrome and provide complimentary van shuttle transfers for pick up and drop off at Smales Farm, Takapuna and the Auckland CBD. An incredibly convenient way to travel between central Auckland/North Shore and Northland.
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Salt Air was founded in 1992 by Grant Harnish, Salt Air operates two fixed wing aircraft based at Kerikeri airport and three helicopters based on the Paihia waterfront in the Bay of Islands.
Salt Air initially operated a Grumman Widgeon seaplane from the Paihia waterfront offering scenic flights around the beautiful Bay of Islands. The business grew steadily in the first season and it was decided to make the Bay of Islands a more permanent base.
In late 1999 the 7 seat Cessna 207 was chosen to fulfil the role of giving passengers the scenic flight of a lifetime over the top section of the north Island. In December 2004 a second Cessna 207 was added to the Salt Air fleet to offer the increased capacity as demand for the tour increased.
In 2001 Salt Air introduced a helicopter to the operation. As well as offering scenic flights over the Bay of Islands from the Paihia waterfront, the helicopter is also available for charter flights to exclusive lodges, golf courses and secluded destinations in the Northland region.
Jan 2007 Bell Jetranger B206III ZK-HFE joined the Salt fleet. This later model Jetranger replaced ZK-HBC.
In Feb 2007 a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan was purchased in the United States adding to Salt Air's Fleet. This aircraft was flown by a ferry pilot across the Pacific in four separate legs to New Zealand. Santa Maria, California – Honolulu 13 hours, Honolulu – Christmas Island 7 hours, Christmas Island – Apia, Samoa 8 hours, Samoa – Kerikeri 11 Hours. Introduced to Salt Air service April 2007.
In 2008 a GA8 Airvan was purchased direct from the factory and delivered in Oct 08. This brand new aircraft replaced the older 207 aircraft which were subsequently sold.
In October 2010 Salt Air added their newest product the "Heli Cruise Island Escape" to their product line, this utilises a custom built MSA surveyed heli barge to land helicopters on and links with a custom built MSA surveyed vessel "Astrolabe II" to enable visiting tourists to fly over the beautiful Bay of Islands before landing on the floating helipad and being transferred to their own Bay for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of this area. See http://www.saltair.co.nz/scenic-tours-photos/ for images of this innovative product.
In Dec 2010 an AS350 Squirrel helicopter was added to the fleet to increase fire fighting capabilities as well as providing a larger helicopter for the increased demand due to the new Heli Cruise.
Salt Air Fleet [1]
| Aircraft | Total in Fleet | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 208 | 1 | 13 | |
| Gippsland GA8 Airvan | 1 | 7 | |
| Bell Jetranger | 1 | 4 | |
| Robinson R44 | 1 | 3 | |
| Eurocopter AS350 | 1 | 5 |
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