New Zealand News

Said ANZ MD Jim McCrea “Our new look signals the start of a wave of changes to improve customer service throughout our entire group of companies.”

For more details and a photo of the new livery, refer Airline Affairs this issue.

Kiwi Rings In The Changes

Kiwi has announced its biggest changes since commencing operations, which will see the discount airline flying a fleet of three aircraft by July.

The changes have resulted from Air 2000 requiring its Boeing 757 returned from Kiwi earlier than expected. As an immediate replacement for the 757 from early May, Kiwi has leased Air Nauru’s 737-400, which from early July will be joined by an Airbus A320 and a 737-300, the latter will be based in Christchurch.

These plans supersede previously announced intentions to acquire a DC-10 for operations out of Christchurch. In the longer term Kiwi plans to obtain its own AOC and acquire either two 757s or two A321s on lease to buy options.

For full details refer Airline Affairs this issue.

Air Chathams Back In The Air

Air Chathams is back in the air after its operations were suspended two months ago when the NZ CAA found deficiencies in its aircrew checking and training system.

The airline’s service certificate was reinstated recently after the remedial work was done to correct the problems. Further actions must be completed within the next three months as a condition of reinstatement.

The Chatham Islands were hit hard by the grounding, with Air Chathams being the only scheduled air service between the island and the mainland. The food supply and the tourist industry were the main areas affected.

Airways Wins Calcutta Atc Contract

Airways Corporation division Airways Consulting Ltd has signed a contract with the Airports Authority of India to provide Calcutta ATC with its award winning ATC system.

This contract is for the incorporation of FANS-1 technology which enables displays of aircraft positions outside of normal radar coverage. This will mean that the heavily congested Bay of Bengal will have an improved management system, translating into a safer system for airlines.

Airways Consulting is responsible for the management of the project, while CAE Electronics of Montreal, Canada will provide the datalink system. The system is due to be operational by the end of the year.

Anz Plans China Services

Air New Zealand is planning to operate a twice weekly service into Shanghai if its application to the NZ Ministry of Transport is successful.

ANZ will fly Boeing 767s into Shanghai via either Sydney or Brisbane from April next year. ANZ is also planning a daily Osaka to Brisbane service in November this year, again using its Australian fifth freedom rights.

82 Australian Aviation June 1996

Nelson Airport Sale

Nelson and Tasman councillors have agreed to a $NZ2.4 million buyout of the NZ Government’s shares in Nelson Airport.

The two councils are forming a joint company to raise the funds needed for the sale. Both councils have been negotiating with the Government for the past two years to acquire the airport.

Nz Tranzair On Hold

After announcing last year its plans to become a new trans-Tasman operator, New Zealand Tranzair has said its plans are currently on hold.

NZ Tranzair was to commence Auckland/Sydney flights with a chartered Boeing 737 from Australian start up operator Pacific Transair. This aircraft was itself leased from the US and arrived in Australia during March (refer Traffic). Pacific Transair has been planning to fly domestic services on Australia’s east coast for some months now, however, at the time of writing, the newcomer had yet to begin operations.

Pacific Transair’s failure to start operations has meant that NZ Tranzair has been unable to commence operations itself and has had to continually postpone the appointment of a chief executive.

Despite similar names, there is no financial connection between the two prospective airlines.

Calls For Wellington House Building Ban

Airlines using Wellington Airport have pushed for a ban on new housing developments in the airport’s neighbouring eastern suburbs.

The Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand (BARNZ) has said it would be unreasonable to allow further houses in the area. BARNZ represents some 23 airlines.

The ban, if initiated, would cover 600 properties within the new air noise boundary approved by the council last December. The plan has also been supported by the Residents Airport Noise Action Group and Wellington Airport who have appealed to the Planning Tribunal about the council’s new plan for the area.

Briefs

Airways Corporation has activated a web site on the ‘net’ with articles and information on Airways’ operations. The site can be found at: https://www.airways.co.nz

Auckland International Airport has also set up a web site. The site will provide details for travellers on transport to the airport, passenger arrival and departure and terminal facilities. The site is at: https://url.co.nz/airport/welcome.htm

Auckland International Airport has opened the long awaited eastern access road into the airport. The new road will almost halve travelling time from the airport to Manukau City Centre.

Float Air Picton is ceasing operations. This airline, which ran a daily charter service between Porirua and Picton, has been competing with fast ferries that operate on the same route and has been edged out of the market.

Soundsair has recently received a new Cessna Caravan for its route across Cook Strait. This aircraft replaces a similar aircraft that crashed earlier this year. Soundsair also hopes to get approval for single engine IFR flights across Cook Strait.

Air New Zealand and UK operator British Midland have signed a codeshare agreement that enables British Midland passengers to transfer directly at London to ANZ flights to Sydney and Auckland.