Glenorchy Air (Queenstown International) will launch Queenstown Air Charter, a new private charter brand based at Queenstown International, in October 2026, the carrier announced via social media.
The new brand will deploy a custom-built Tecnam P2012, which Glenorchy Air said is currently in production. Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM said Glenorchy Air will be the launch customer for the type in New Zealand following the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand's certification of the P2012 in March 2026.
"Glenorchy Air is very excited to debut the Tecnam P2012 in New Zealand and use it to expand our capacity and capability into the 2026/27 summer season and beyond," said chief executive James Stokes, who bought the company in 2019.
The Continental Aerospace Technologies-powered twin-engined piston aircraft will seat up to nine passengers and enter service in October 2026. It will be registered as ZK-JTK.
According to the company website, all flights under the new brand will be operated by Glenorchy Air. Its current fleet comprises two Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Grand Caravan EX and two Daher Kodiak 100s.
The charter unit will offer flights for business travel, leisure trips, and scenic services. The website lists destinations across the South Island, including Mount Cook, Nelson, NZ, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Te Anau, Dunedin, and Invercargill, as well as selected North Island points such as Wellington, Taupo, and Napier/Hastings.
