Glenorchy Air to operate New Zealand first Tecnam P2012 Traveller

Glenorchy Air will be the launch customer for the Tecnam P2012 Traveller in New Zealand. Following the official validation of the P2012 by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand last month, the acquisition of this state-of-the-art, Continental-powered aircraft marks a major milestone in the Queenstown-based company’s fleet expansion. The introduction of the P2012 Traveller will allow Glenorchy Air to seamlessly access the IFR charter market and diversify its offerings, while still keeping the aircraft highly deployable on its existing scenic routes. Coinciding with this acquisition, the company is officially launching its new brand, Queenstown Air Charter (www.queenstownaircharter.com), which will offer nationwide VFR and IFR charter services across New Zealand.

James Stokes, CEO of Glenorchy Air, commented: “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. Our management pilots and I viewed the aircraft at Oshkosh 2025, and we were extremely impressed with its passenger comfort and legroom, cockpit ergonomics, and beautiful Italian styling.”

Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 & Special Mission Platforms Sales Manager, stated: “We are incredibly proud to see the P2012 Traveller making its debut in the spectacular skies of New Zealand. Glenorchy Air’s dedication to providing a premium, award-winning passenger experience aligns perfectly with the DNA of the P2012. Its versatility, twin-engine reliability, and exceptional cabin comfort will make it a tremendous asset for their scenic tours and the exciting launch of Queenstown Air Charter.”

The P2012 Traveller, specifically the Continental-powered variant, was designed to meet the rigorous demands of regional airlines and charter operators. It offers unparalleled passenger comfort with a spacious cabin, premium seating, and large panoramic windows—perfect for the breathtaking scenic flights over Milford Sound and Mount Cook that Glenorchy Air is renowned for.