Queenstown, NZ: Glenorchy Air is pleased to announce that its parent company, Stokes Aviation, has placed an order for a brand-new 11-seat, twin-engined Tecnam P2012 Traveller, scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. This aircraft will be the first of its type to operate in New Zealand. CEO James Stokes and Safety Systems Manager Michael Rutherford will travel to Italy ahead of the aircraft’s completion date to train and qualify on the type.
The aircraft, which will be built in Capua, Italy, will be powered by two 375 hp Continental Aerospace GTSIO-520S engines. and will be capable of operating to all of Glenorchy Air’s destinations, including Milford Sound, Mt Cook, and Stewart Island.
Glenorchy Air CEO James Stokes said:
“We are extremely excited to debut the Tecnam P2012 Traveller in New Zealand and use it to expand our capacity and capability into 2026 and beyond. Our management pilots and I viewed the aircraft at Oshkosh 2025 in the United States, and we were very impressed with its passenger comfort, cockpit ergonomics, and Italian styling.”
The purchase of the P2012 coincides with the launch of Queenstown Air Charter by Glenorchy Air – a dedicated premium charter arm of the business. Supporting this expansion, Glenorchy Air is applying to the CAA for Part 135 IFR approval, which will enable the P2012 to operate IFR charter services across New Zealand, with a focus on the South Island and lower North Island. IFR bookings are expected to open from October this year.
The P2012 is the world’s most advanced commercial twin piston aircraft, originally designed for Cape Air in the United States. It is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXI avionics and specially designed for ease of operation for a single pilot. It was designed by legendary Italian aircraft designer Professor Luigi Pascale and is currently in operation in several countries around the world. Stokes Aviation has selected the Continental engines for this aircraft thanks to the superior take off and landing performance and the lower noise signature from the larger and slower turning propellers.
For further information and comment contact James Stokes 021416637 or james@glenorchyair.co.nz.
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