INFLITE partner with House of Travel to offer private charters on Mix & Match

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Kiwi aviation tourism company INFLITE, has partnered with House of Travel’s Mix & Match site to offer private charter flight options. Mix & Match are the largest NZ-owned online travel booking agency in the country. This partnership means customers can easily access the fleet of aircraft that INFLITE represents including private jets, turboprops and helicopters across New Zealand, Australia the South Pacific and globally.

Charter flights are traditionally perceived to be exclusively for high-end clientele. The pairing with Mix & Match makes these options more accessible to the general public; breaking the stereotypical image of a charter flight customer. Paul Aston, INFLITE’s Charter Manager explains: “In the instance of group travel such as sports teams or conference groups, charter flights are affordable and offers the benefit of a flexible schedule along with private terminals for departure and arrivals avoiding standard terminals which often result in delays.”

The union of these two companies is believed to be a first in the global aviation industry. “The aligning of charter and commercial flight options opens a new door in the travel booking sector,” remarks Aston.

This partnership provides more choice and flexibility for those wishing to embark on aviation travel. Now, customers can choose from a range of customised aircraft charter options and pair these up with the pre-existing commercial flights – the options are endless.

Aston is delighted with the joining of forces. “Raising the profile of charter flights to the public means they can reap all the advantages these trips have to offer. Flexibility and customisation are key benefits of charter flights, therefore, being able to merge these with the commercial flights already on offer results in infinite flight combinations.”

This partnership comes on the back of a range of innovations in the aviation and tourism space for INFLITE. The group recently took the bold step of carboNZero certification – the first nationwide aviation operator to do so. INFLITE CEO Adam Joyce says, “As an operator, we’re also deeply concerned about climate change so chose to commit to going carboNZero certified. Our businesses take guests into spectacular parts of our country, often inaccessible without the use of aircraft – so it’s our responsibility to minimise our impact as much as possible to ensure that our sensitive environments are protected for future generations to come.”

The joining of these two industry leaders paves the way for efficient aviation travel for all.

 

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INFLITE First CarboNZero Certified Nationwide Aviation Tourism Operator in NZ

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We’re delighted to announce that INFLITE Group has become the first nationwide New Zealand aviation tourism operator to become officially certified CarboNZeroCertTM as part of our operational commitment across the company to mitigate our carbon footprint.

INFLITE CEO Adam Joyce says, “As an operator, we’re also deeply concerned about climate change so chose to commit to going carboNZero certified. Our businesses take guests into spectacular parts of our country, often inaccessible without the use of aircraft – so it’s our responsibility to minimise our impact as much as possible to ensure that our sensitive environments are protected for future generations to come.”

“It’ll always be a balance of both environmental and commercial outcomes which we’re ever mindful of as we have the privilege of flying visitors into some of New Zealand’s most treasured national parks. This is an opportunity for us to have a continuing conservation conversation with all our clients and team at large.”

As part of the process, we had to measure emissions across all their locations nationwide and put in place mitigation strategies to reduce and offset emissions. The first step was acknowledging that flights and experiences have a considerable impact on carbon emission through the use of aviation fuels. 

This certification aligns with INFLITE becoming an early adopter of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment, which led to us creating a sustainability plan and partnering with the Motutapu Restoration Trust to plant a tree for every hour of flight. We also have sustainability partnerships with the Abel Tasman Tree Collective, Kea Conversation Trust, Department of Conservation and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Continues Joyce “One of our core values is centred around sustainability. This accreditation plan has enabled us to raise the bar of excellence honouring those. Now our team across all of our bases are able to take pride in the working for a company that is committed in its care for the environment.”

INFLITE is proudly Qualmark Gold, NZ tourism’s benchmark of quality. This year we were a finalist in the NZ Tourism Awards for Best Sustainable Business, a finalist in the 100% Pure Experience Awards, and recently won the Canterbury Champion Business Award in the Service Delivery category.

Since 2015, we’ve grown from being a start-up into 10 brands spread across 8 locations currently.

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INFLITE Expand Charter Offering To Include 4 New Aircraft Types

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INFLITE, one of New Zealand’s leading aviation charter and tourism companies has expanded its charter offering with the addition of 9 new aircraft.

These include 2 x Metroliners (19 seat), 3 x SAAB (34 seat), an ATR72 (68 seat), and 3 x Convair (multirole passenger and freight) aircraft.

INFLITE boasts an industry leading reputation for excellence in charter services including the provision of private jet, turbo prob and helicopter charter, VIP transfer services, exclusive scenic flight packages, customised events, commercial air lifting and specialist freight.

Metroliner – comfortably seats 19 passengers and can also be operated as a freighter. This twin engine aircraft has a range of 540 nautical miles (1,000 km) which makes this aircraft the perfect solution for domes­tic charter flights throughout New Zealand. It also offers outstanding performance, high operating speeds and a pressurised cabin.

SAAB – the Saab 340 is widely used by commuter airlines around the world, and is an excellent fit for the New Zealand conditions, whilst exceeding the expecta­tions of the travelling public. The aircraft boasts a comfortable and spacious cabin for up to 34 pas­sengers.

ATR72 – The ATR is a short-haul regional airliner designed and built by an Italian-French manufacturer. The world’s most popular regional airline turbo-prop, this aircraft can hold 68 passengers.

Convair – this multi-engine tur­bo-prop aircraft is extremely versatile and is available in both passenger and freight configurations.

 

This exciting development complements INFLITE’s existing operations and support its brands including INFLITE Experiences, Nelson Tasman Air, Skydive Abel Tasman, Skydive Franz Josef, Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters and Skydive Mt Cook.

This expansion has come through INFLITE’s appointment as the exclusive GSA (General Sales Agent) for the Air Chathams fleet.

“Premium service delivery is core to our business as is the reliability and experience in corporate charters that Air Chathams brings to the sector.  The fact Air Chathams operations span the length and breadth of the country is a great fit for us.  We are excited to expand our charter offering for the benefit of our customers, INFLITE and Air Chathams” says Paul Aston, Charter Manager at INFLITE.

Duane Emeny, General Manager of Air Chathams agrees. “We look forward to further growing our charter capacity in conjunction with INFLITE, especially knowing their reputation and dedication to a high level of customer service.  It’s great to take up the opportunity to work together as both companies have extensive experience throughout New Zealand and are flexible enough to meet the demands of the sector in terms of location, size and aircraft capability”.

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INFLITE Expands – Acquires Skydive & Scenic Flight Operators

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INFLITE, one of New Zealand’s leading aviation tourism companies, has greatly expanded its skydive operations today announcing the acquisition of Skydive Abel Tasman and in September, the opening of Skydive Mt Cook. Nelson Tasman Air also joins INFLITE, adding to its scenic flight experiences throughout New Zealand.

The new businesses complement existing operations Skydive Franz Josef, Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, INFLITE Taupo, INFLITE Auckland and INFLITE Charters.

Skydive Abel Tasman has been operated by founder Stuart Bean for almost 30 years.  A life-long skydiver who did his first jump at age 19, Bean’s now regarded as amongst the best in the business with more than 17,000 skydives to his name and is also a commercial pilot with over 3000 hours. Bean will remain involved with the business.

Says Bean, “I am delighted to have the business transfer to a company with the same culture and values I share with the team in Abel Tasman. My staff are looking forward to the opportunities that a nationwide operator can bring and have really supported me through the process. I believe the company is in good hands with a bright future ahead.”

The acquisition of Skydive Abel Tasman adds a dedicated and experienced team of skydive staff to the existing INFLITE team, along with an additional Pilatus PC-6 Porter to its fleet.

Nelson Tasman Air offer stunning scenic flights in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft flying into the Abel Tasman National Park. This business complements Skydive Abel Tasman, located side-by-side at Motueka Airport.

Skydive Mt Cook will open in September 2019 in a brand-new purpose-built facility at Pukaki Airport. INFLITE has operated Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters since 2015.

INFLITE CEO Adam Joyce says, “INFLITE is embarking on an exciting period of growth.  These are significant developments for us and have been in the works for some time. This greatly expands our product offering in New Zealand and cements our commitment to delivering incredible visitor experiences. We’re thrilled to welcome the teams at Skydive Abel Tasman and Nelson Tasman Air into the company.”

Skydive Abel Tasman is a unique and unforgettable freefall experience, offering incredible views of both the North and South Islands.  At Skydive Mt Cook, visitors will be able to choose from 9,000ft, 13,000ft or 16,500ft jumps with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, both the East and West Coasts and Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Say’s Joyce, “By combining and sharing expertise and knowledge across all our locations, will enable us to improve the quality and increase capacity of all of our experiences. Having multiple successful businesses under the umbrella of INFLITE offers our customers variety and choice, with a consistent customer experience”.

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Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters Selected as a Finalist in the 100% Pure Experience Awards

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We’re delighted to have been annouced as a finalist in the Qualmark New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards. The Ultimate Alpine Experience with our Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters base offers an unforgettable experience combining scenic flights in two aircraft types with a landing on the Tasman Glacier (NZ’s longest).

About the Pilatus Porter PC-6

The PC-6 is noted for its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance on almost any type of terrain – it can take off within a distance of 640 feet (195 m) and land within a distance of 427 feet (130 m) while carrying a payload of 2,646 lbs (1,200 kg). Thanks to its STOL performance, the PC-6 holds the world record for highest landing by a fixed-wing aircraft, at 18,865 feet (5,750 m), on the Dhaulagiri glacier in Nepal.

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Skydive Franz Go To New Heights – 20,000ft and Qualmark Gold

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Skydive Franz, one of New Zealand’s leading skydive operators have announced NZ’s Highest Skydive – 20,000 ft above Franz Josef Glacier.

The 20,000 ft Skydive replaces the 19,000 ft Skydive where customers will get over 85 seconds of freefall once they’ve jumped (willingly, or unwillingly) from 20,000 ft above the Franz Josef Glacier.

Skydive Franz are NZ’s most experienced high-altitude operators and have been skydiving from these heights since 2010. They pioneered the 20,000 ft skydive – the first company in New Zealand to jump from that height back in 2013 to set a new New Zealand Record.

Nestled between New Zealand’s highest mountains, the Tasman Sea, stunning temperate rainforest, glowing glaciers and braided river beds; Franz Josef Glacier has been described as one of the most beautiful places on earth. For this reason and many others, the region was included in the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.

Skydive Franz have also been awarded Qualmark Gold – the highest level achievable. A Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

Qualmark Advisor Ian Elliot said he admired the company’s approach to maintaining businesses excellence. “There is clear evidence of Skydive Franz having sophisticated levels of planning, management and operations. This is a national operation with a strong commitment to growth and performance.”

INFLITE CEO, Adam Joyce is proud of both these achievements which have been the result of the company’s high-performance culture. “Our team pioneered high altitude skydiving in New Zealand, so jumping from 20,000 ft is a natural progression, after almost 10 years of jumping so high in the sky.”

“Achieving Qualmark Gold is great confirmation for our team that they are performing at the highest level. We’re particularly proud of our Service Standards, Health & Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Marketing Planning and Staff Engagement which were acknowledged as representing Best Business Practice.”

Joyce says the diverse product mix that INFLITE has on offer has something for everyone.
“Skydive Franz is a natural fit in our portfolio of tourism experiences. Within our group, guests have a range of options to choose from – fly to Waiheke Island and dine at a winery, fly over the Tongariro National Park in a Helicopter, land on the Tasman Glacier in a Ski Plane, and now they can do a  20,000 ft Skydive.”

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Merry Christmas from Paul Aston

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A Merry Christmas message from our Charter Manager Paul Aston.

As Christmas is knocking at the door it’s time to reflect back at another epic year. From VIP jet charters throughout New Zealand to Band Freight Movements, moving 49 golfers between lodges to landing helicopters on remote beaches, we have seen and done it all and enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you to all my clients and aviation partners, it’s been a fantastic year. As they say “ We Are Open All Hours” through out the Christmas period and available for any last minute flight requests.

To all a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for the coming year.”

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INFLITE Acquire Skydive Franz Josef

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INFLITE, one of New Zealand’s leading aviation tourism companies with bases across New Zealand have today announced the purchase of Skydive Franz Josef Glacier, the country’s only skydive operator to offer the thrilling 19,000ft skydive.

Flying from the popular West Coast town of Franz Josef, jumpers are able to freefall from 19,000ft above the Westland & Aoraki/Mt Cook National Parks’ which form part of the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

The Skydive Franz operation adds  a dedicated team of Skydive staff to the INFLITE team and Pilatus PC-6 Porter to the fleet of ski planes and helicopters currently operated across INFLITE’s base network. The Pilatus Porter joins its 2 sister ships which are currently operated from their Aoraki / Mt Cook base – just a 20 minute flight away.

INFLITE is not planning any changes to the team or brand as part of the purchase but Skydive Franz will gain the benefit of the additional sales, marketing and operational support. In further support the owners, James Meldrum and Craig Clark will be staying on with the business in their current roles.

INFLITE CEO, Adam Joyce is excited to welcome the staff and business into the INFLITE family.

“This is a very exciting development for us which further expands our product offering in New Zealand and cements our commitment within the tourism industry, particularly in the South Island. The Skydive Franz business is a great fit for us and we are excited to add this product to our amazing suite of unique experiences.”

This West Coast is the fastest growing tourism region in New Zealand with total tourism spend was up 12% up for the year to January 2018, which is 5% higher than the growth reported across the whole of the country.

INFLITE South Island Business Manager Lisa Chambers says the acquisition paves the way for linking two very significant natural attractions. “We are too very excited to welcome this excellent business into the INFLITE family. It opens up so much opportunity both on the West Coast and here in Aoraki Mt. Cook. We will have the ability to share resources as well as knowledge and expertise from both sides of the divide. It will add another unique concept and product to our portfolio which will both support and help grow our businesses and the teams that work within them.”

INFLITE’s focus has been around developing its sustainability program over the past 12 months and are excited to incorporate the Skydive Franz long standing relationship with the Kea Conservation Trust into the program. The added hours that Skydive Franz fly will be good news for the number of trees INFLITE plant with Motutapu Restoration Trust on Motutapu Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Already this year, close to 1000 trees have been planted on this pest-free island by INFLITE. INFLITE was also proud to receive the Qualmark Gold award from Tourism New Zealand with this programme being one of the key contributors.

Says Joyce, “Our aircraft generate carbon emissions, so it was imperative that we did something about it. We’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment and making our business and those we partner with, more sustainable. Part of this commitment, which alongside joining the Tourism Industry Aotearoa Tourism Sustainability Commitment involves us partnering with the trust to plant a tree for every hour we fly.”

“Additionally, we have given our customers the option to extend this commitment by purchasing their own tree when they book an experience with us. We’re seeing a very generous number of our customers include this option and will extend the offering to Skydive Franz experiences before the end of the season.”

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