Boeing 737 Evacuation Update

Media Release
12 September 2006

Boeing 737 Evacuation Update

Air New Zealand customers on a Boeing 737 were evacuated from their aircraft at Auckland domestic airport this morning.

Flight NZ503 bound for Christchurch had returned to Auckland and landed safely after an electrical fault was reported in the flight deck.

While taxiing to the airport gate, a smell of fumes were reported in the flight deck and in line with standard operating procedure, the Captain decided to evacuate the aircraft. This saw the 94 passengers and three cabin crew and two pilots exit the aircraft down emergency shutes. They were immediately met by Air New Zealand staff and offered support.

Air New Zealand is now assisting customers to make alternative travel arrangements.

A further update will follow around midday.

ENDS

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