New Zealand News

On the domestic front, the airline is reviewing a $NZ500m order for six Boeing 737-300s, with General Manager Paul Bowe suggesting they may opt for even more advanced versions of the 737 series. Meanwhile, a new 737 Auckland/Queenstown link has been launched to serve the popular South Island resort through the summer season.

Aircraft & Drug Link Move

Following the crash of a Nomad aircraft on a glacier last year that killed nine people, MP Pauline Gardiner has called for legislative changes regarding cannabis use in aviation. The investigation revealed the non-flying owner, Leroy Broughton, had cannabis in his system at the time of the flight. While the official report blamed the crash on the crew’s inexperience with mountain flying, Gardiner argues that current statutes give “scant regard” to the brain cell damage and perceptual changes caused by the drug.

Copilot Sucked Against Airframe

An Air Nelson Metroliner copilot, Howard North, was injured when his cockpit window blew out at 17,000ft while travelling at 200kmh. Captain Tom Wright successfully wrestled the aircraft down for an emergency landing at Palmerston North. While North was sucked against the airframe by the pressure, he was not in danger of being pulled out. Air Nelson has since begun inspecting and replacing similar windows across its Metroliner fleet.

Air Nelson Spreads Wings

Air Nelson is increasing its Saab 340 fleet to 12 aircraft, a 50% increase. These new leased planes will support Air New Zealand’s peak-time services, linking Wellington with Hamilton and Palmerston North to Auckland. The airline now operates a total of 24 aircraft, including nine Metroliners and three Piper Chieftains.

Pionair DC-3 Flights A Hit

Phil Maguire’s Pionair Adventures is seeing massive success with its restored 1943 DC-3, ZK-AMS. The aircraft, which served with the RAAF and Qantas, has carried 7,500 passengers in just eight months. Known as the “Spirit of Queenstown,” the plane offers a 1940s nostalgia experience, complete with Glen Miller music and crew in period uniforms. Upcoming plans include an “Orient Express of the Skies” 10-day tour of New Zealand.

Auckland Airport Sale Talks

The New Zealand Government is investigating the sale of its 51.6% stake in Auckland International Airport, an asset valued at $NZ400m. While Minister Williamson questions the need for state ownership, the move faces stiff opposition. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters called the sale “short-sighted nonsense,” and local Maori groups are warning of land claims currently before the Waitangi Tribunal.

RNZAF Pilots Fined

Two RNZAF pilots have been heavily fined following a low-level flight over a beach in a No. 14 Squadron Macchi. The captain was fined $NZ3250 for disobeying flight authorizations, while his passenger—also a pilot—was fined $NZ480 for failing to advise the captain they were below minimum altitude. Base Commander Group Captain Brian Carruthers reiterated that breaches of flying regulations are taken very seriously.

Briefs

• Korean Air: Has launched a new weekly MD-11 service to Christchurch from Seoul via Auckland.
• Rescue: Two RNZAF Iroquois helicopters saved 23 men and a dog from a burning Taiwanese trawler off Fiji.
• Navigation: Radiola Corporation won a $NZ5.7m contract to build new instrument landing systems (ILS) for Ohakea and Whenuapai air bases.