2 September 2005
Auckland Airport corrects Rod Donald error
Auckland Airport CEO, Don Huse, this morning asked Green Party co-leader Rod Donald to retract his comments about the
airport.
“Aside from the fog this morning, a back-up generator for airfield lighting was unavailable due to a maintenance issue.”
The generator and all the airfield lighting and navigation equipment are owned by Airways New Zealand – a
Government-owned company, not Auckland International Airport Limited
“Airways New Zealand is highly regarded for its safety standards and is world-renowned for excellent service. The fact
that this happened at a time when there was fog was an unlucky coincidence.”
During fog, aircraft are able to take off when there is 350m visibility on the runway ahead of them. When a back-up
generator is unavailable, that length is extended to 800m. “This is evidence of the aviation industry’s commitment to
safe and secure operations at all times.”
The fog has now cleared and airport operations are getting back to normal.
ENDS