Golden Bay Air (Takaka) will receive a NZD1.1 million New Zealand dollars (USD660,000) loan to refinance existing aircraft debt and complete major maintenance checks, according to a February 25 press release by associate transport minister James Meager.

"The loan will help safeguard flights in and out of Golden Bay and improve the company's operational reliability. Crucially, the support will strengthen economic resilience for a remote region by helping to keep businesses and people connected," Meager said.

The carrier is the first to draw from the government's NZD30 million (USD18 million) regional infrastructure fund (RIF) package.

According to New Zealand's aircraft register, the Takaka-based airline has three aircraft registered to its name - a Trislander, a PA-28, and a GA8. It uses this fleet for scheduled passenger and freight services between Takaka, Nelson, NZ, Kerikeri, and Wellington.

In a report by local newspaper The Nelson Mail, Golden Bay Air chief executive Richard Molloy said the funds will ease cash flow pressures caused by elevated capital costs and supply-chain delays for aircraft parts.

Other domestic operators have also applied for the concessionary loans to manage rising maintenance costs. Sunair requires capital for engine overhauls across its fleet of five PA-23s and three Cessna (single piston) aircraft. The New Zealand civil aviation authority suspended Sunair between July and November 2025 over safety concerns, and two Pipers and one Cessna remain out of service.

Sounds Air, which recently downsized over lack of capital, also confirmed its application for RIF funding. Managing director Andrew Crawford noted the replacement cost for engines on the carrier's Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Caravans has risen from NZD900,000 (USD540,000) to NZD1.5 million (USD900,000) lately.

Fund administrator Kānoa, the regional economic development & investment unit, is currently processing these additional applications. The government has also earmarked a portion of the RIF package to help regional operators integrate their booking systems with larger carriers via interlining.