New Zealand-headquartered GCH Aviation is boosting its investment in tourism infrastructure by bringing a new Challenger 604 charter jet to its Christchurch base to service New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and beyond. The aircraft's range is up to 4,000 nm and from the base it can reach destinations such as Tahiti, all of Australia, most Pacific Islands and even Indonesia, in one hop.

Managing director and founder John Currie says: “The purchase of the aircraft may relieve frustration for business travellers who need to travel to a meeting on the eastern seaboard of Australia and back in a day. Uses are endless; with 10 seats, it can be used for groups heading off for special events such as day trips to The Melbourne Cup, major motor racing and concerts, and there is great potential for national and international incentive business.”

Chief executive Andrew Currie adds: “GCH Aviation is continuing to grow its infrastructure and is focused on growing the premium tourism sector in New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu. The purchase of the Challenger 604 jet continues to expand the GCH group's tourism, commercial and medical aviation services across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.”

Given recent events such as White Island and the Christchurch Mosque shootings, GCH Aviation has also invested in a spectrum emergency transport kit for medical patients that require transport from anywhere in the Pacific region. This medical transport service will be in conjunction with the GCH Aviation NZ Flying Doctors teams, and the aircraft can be reconfigured from luxury jet to medical transport at a moment's notice. “It makes sense to us to have this service on standby as it can be supported by our existing air ambulance services,” adds Currie.

The group's 9,000 sqm Christchurch facility has direct access to the airport runway and dedicated helipads. The jet purchase will complement Christchurch's first full service jet centre, which services the South Island's corporate aviation market, with hangar parking and overnight facilities for jets, a private terminal, ground handling, catering, plus immigration and customs services.