30 September, 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

E tū condemns laser strikes targeting flights near Wellington and Auckland

The flight attendants’ union, E tū has condemned a series of laser strikes targeting flights near Auckland and Wellington airports as irresponsible and potentially lethal.

The strikes affected several international flights into Auckland this morning, as well as an Air New Zealand plane heading into Wellington last night.

E tū’s Director of Organising Aviation, Kelvin Ellis says the pilots in the Wellington incident were temporarily blinded, and though they landed safely, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

“These strikes put everyone at risk, including the pilots, flight attendants and the general public”, says Kelvin.

He says landing at Wellington is stressful enough without the risk of a laser strike, and all landings are the most stressful time for all flight crews.

“To have this stress at the back of their minds is not a good thing.”

He says the number of laser strikes over such a short period was also very concerning.

ENDS

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