Touch down at last for a replacement Auckland-Kapiti Coast air service

The first flight from Auckland this afternoon was greeted with waves from the community and a powhiri from the local iwi.

There was an outcry from many residents when Air New Zealand stopped its service earlier this year.

Air Chathams made the decision to replace it last month.

General Manager Duane Emeny says he's looking forward to getting the service back to where it was - when the first commercial flight leaves tomorrow.

Mr Emeny says after months of backwards and forwards it's here and successful.