Air Chathams will have a keen interest in the opening up of Norfolk Island to Australian visitors on 10 July, says airline and charter general manager Duane Emery.

When Benny Ford opened The Black Anchor Bar in Norfolk Island last November, he filled a gap in the market. He opened a casual bar where people could relax after work, with a cocktail, craft beer or wine. Open Thursday to Saturday from 5pm till midnight, The Black Anchor serves  ‘pop up’ bar food from offsite caterers – dumplings on Thursdays, tacos on Fridays and American barbecue food on Saturdays.

The Black Anchor is a fitting name for someone who has worked for 20 years as a sea captain, and grew up on boats. Doubling as port manager by day, Ford has lived on the island for three years. ‘Norfolk Island is the place that everyone in Byron Bay

New tourism and hospitality operations are popping up in Norfolk Island to cater for the younger demographic that is discovering the destination.

These include activity operators, eateries and shops, says Rose Evans, team leader tourism and economic development. ‘We’ve seen great growth in new businesses that have a younger vibe and are environmentally aware, like eco-store, Prenke.’

Air Chathams is already aiming for a second service to Norfolk Island following the launch of its weekly flight on Friday.

‘Historic data from when other airlines operated the route (including Air New Zealand) indicates that is very possible,’ says Air Chathams general manager Duane Emeny who draws parallels with the airline’s Chatham Island services.‘We have been