Museum Seeks to Restore the Last Remaining Solent Boat

MUSEUM SEEKS TO RESTORE THE LAST REMAINING SOLENT FLYING BOAT

MOTAT is hosting a gala dinner and charity auction, Dining in the Skies, to raise funds for the restoration of the world’s only remaining Solent Mark IV Flying Boat, 'Aranui'. The event takes place in MOTAT’s Aviation Display Hall in Meola Road on Thursday, 3 December from 6pm.

This is an opportunity to be immersed in the glamorous era of the flying boat while enjoying a three course meal featuring dishes from the airline menus of the past. Guests will be treated to a fine selection of wines sponsored by Ngatarawa Wines while they are surrounded by MOTAT’s world-class aviation collection, including the ‘Aranui’ itself.

MOTAT’s Commercial Manager, Jeff Morris explains that the Solent on display at MOTAT is one of New Zealand's most iconic aircraft. “This majestic flying boat once graced the Pacific skies ferrying passengers along the Coral Route. It was operated by Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) and the route was labelled the most romantic in the world by those who flew it,” he says.

The first phase of the project, focussing on the interior of the aircraft, was made possible by a significant donation from Air New Zealand, who succeeded TEAL and celebrated their 75th Anniversary earlier this year. MOTAT is now actively seeking funding to complete the restoration and begin work on the exterior. The aim is to return the Solent to the way it looked during the flying boat heydays of the 1950s.

Richard Foss, a California based journalist, author, culinary historian and lecturer will be the guest speaker at the elegant black-tie event. His fascinating topic will be: ‘The Birth of the Flying Meal: A History of Food in Flight’.

“Over the years, the vessels that carry humans in the air have presented the most challenging cooking environment to ever exist, but cooks and engineers rose to the challenge and some strange things were tried,” says Mr Foss. Guests will learn how zeppelins, flying boats and some airliners featured succulent meats roasted in-flight and sauces made from scratch. The talk will highlight the marvel that any meal can be created in flight, much less a good one.

Supporters can play a vital role in helping MOTAT restore the Solent MKIV Flying Boat to its former glory by purchasing Dining in the Skies tickets through the MOTAT website. Prices are $125 per person or $1,125 for a table of ten. This event would make an ideal year-end function for small businesses.

If anyone is unable to attend the gala event but would still like to contribute to this important project, the following Givealittle page has been set up to collect donations: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/motatsolent/.

ENDS

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