Regional airline Sounds Air is having a busy start to the year, with numbers approaching pre-Covid levels

The Picton based airline serves nine centres between Taupo and Wanaka, and its operations struggled during and immediately post-Covid shutdowns.

However, strengthening visitor numbers and the success of the 45-minute Christchurch-Wanaka sector, means operations are on track to reach pre-Covid passenger loadings.

Managing Director Andrew Crawford, says a strong ski season will decide the airline's success this year.

He says, with winter approaching, this could be the first good year post Covid.