Media Advisory

26 November 2009

Erebus Charter Update

Air New Zealand has been in discussion with Mike Pero over his plans for a charter flight to Antarctica today.

Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims says he reiterated to Mr Pero that the airline has no issue in principle with charter flights to Antarctica.

“I made it clear to Mike that Air New Zealand has no objection to charter flights to Antarctica but on this occasion we were disturbed that there has been no formal consultation with the families of the 257 people lost or with Air New Zealand.  The subsequent timing of the announcement three days prior to the 30th Anniversary of Erebus has given us concern,” Mr Sims says.

Air New Zealand has offered to work with Mr Pero to facilitate contact with the families on its Erebus database, so he can better understand their wishes, preferences and perspectives before determining how to proceed.

“Ultimately it is the families affected not Air New Zealand, Mike Pero, the public or media whose interests should be uppermost in our minds at this time,” Mr Sims says.

Mr Sims says that more than 40 families have written to Air New Zealand expressing concern over the timing of the charter announcement.

ENDS

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