Glenorchy Air to launch Queenstown Air Charter with new Tecnam

By Andrew Curran.

Queenstown-based scenic airline Glenorchy Air has acquired a Tecnam P2012 and will use the aircraft to launch a new charter brand called Queenstown Air Charter.

In an April 16 2026 LinkedIn post, the airline said Queenstown Air Charter will “redefine private air travel across the South Island and select North Island destinations”.

Queenstown Air Charter is due to launch in October. The privately held company says its nine-seater Tecnam will be IFR-capable, enabling it to better handle the South Island’s often tempestuous weather. The aircraft is due for delivery this winter and will be registered as ZK-JTK (msn 091).

Day-to-day scenic flight operations will continue under the Glenorchy Air brand.

Glenorchy Air’s existing fleet includes two Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EXs, two Daher Kodiak 100s, and one GippsAero GA8 Airvan. The company describes these planes as “New Zealand’s most modern light aircraft fleet”.

Glenorchy Air was established in 1992 by Glenorchy locals Robert and Janet Rutherford. In July 2019, the company was acquired by James Stokes, who retains ownership and serves as chief executive officer.

Glenorchy Air primarily operates scenic flights and charters. Alongside South Island destinations, the Tecnam P2012 has the range to fly to Wellington (WLG), Napier (NPE), and Taupō (TUO) on New Zealand’s North Island.

Photo: AI-Generated

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific