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Eagle Airways

Eagle Airways
Eagle Airways logo.png
IATA ICAO Callsign
NZ EAG EAGLE
Founded 1969
Ceased operations 26 August 2016
Alliance Star Alliance (affiliate)
Company slogan 'Be everywhere, do everything, together never failing to impress our customer'
Parent company Air New Zealand
Headquarters Hamilton, New Zealand
Key people Myles Perry (head)
Website www.eagleair.co.nz

Eagle Airways was a regional airline based in Hamilton, New Zealand and was wholly owned by Air New Zealand, operating regional services under the Air New Zealand Link brand. The airline was disbanded on 26 August 2016, with staff absorbed into Air New Zealand's other subsidiaries.

The airline was established and started operations in 1969. It grew out of the Eagle Flying Academy owned and operated by Malcom Campbell and John Fairclough. In 1973, it became a commercial airline flying routes around the North Island of New Zealand using twin-engined Beechcraft Baron aircraft, capitalising on provincial routes not serviced by the national airline of the time, National Airways Corporation (NAC). 1976 saw the introduction of 9-seat Piper Chieftain aircraft. During 1979, Eagle moved into turbine operations with Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft and later, Fairchild Metro aircraft.

A fleet upgrade beginning in 2001 has seen the wholesale adoption of the Beechcraft 1900D Airliner 19-seat aircraft of which 16 were ordered. ZK-EAP (MSN: UE-439) was the last 1900-series aircraft to be produced by Raytheon, closing the production line in October 2002.

In 2006, route development and increased air travellers market saw the need for a 17th aircraft, and in 2007 ZK-EAQ came operational as the 17th Beech 1900D for Eagle. Wanaka was added to the network as a result.

On 22 July 2008, Eagle Airways welcomed its 18th 1900D, creating more depth to the airline's fleet. Eagle pioneered new routes with the additional aircraft, with flights between Masterton and Auckland commencing in February 2009; and service between Christchurch and Westport, launched in July 2009. Due to the continuing downturn in passenger levels, parent company Air New Zealand ceased Eagle's expansion plans. In January 2009, a 19th aircraft was announced to arrive towards the end of that year. This aircraft was to allow a lesser reliance on charter aircraft used on some of the new pioneer routes, while allowing a 'branded' Air New Zealand aircraft to promote the airline.


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