Media Advisory

25 November 2009

Air NZ Disturbed By "PR Stunt" 

Air New Zealand is deeply disturbed by what appears to be a PR stunt on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Erebus tragedy that claimed 257 lives and the attempt to leverage commercial gain from this anniversary. 

Air New Zealand has been working closely with the families of those lost in the Erebus tragedy over the past few months to understand their needs and explore on their behalf options for visiting Antarctica.  The airline has been in close dialogue with the Government and Antarctica New Zealand, as owners of the resources required to facilitate such trips to Antarctica and in particular Mt Erebus. 

Mike Pero did not engage with Air New Zealand over his plans for the flight to Antarctica or any opportunities this might present to families of Erebus victims.  Therefore, the airline finds his announcement three days prior to the anniversary of the tragedy to be nothing more than commercial opportunism of the lowest kind and deeply disrespectful. 

Mr Pero needs to acknowledge to anybody signing up for the proposed flight that he cannot guarantee the aircraft will fly over Mt Erebus as weather conditions can be extremely changeable and hostile in Antarctica.

The Government has already been asked to consider the opportunity for future family visits to Antarctica.

Ends

© Scoop Media