This blog started off by focussing on NZ's smaller 3rd level airlines, past and present. It has evolved to trying to present some record of NZ's domestic airline operations and some of the larger charter operators, interesting NZ international airliner movements and photos I have taken around the country. Comments, corrections or contributions are welcome, Steve - westland831@gmail.com
Hamilton-based FlyStark recently took delivery of Gippsland GA8 Airvan ZK-FSR MSN GA8-06-099 with the Australian designed and built light utility aeroplane arriving in New Zealand via container from Sri Lanka where it had flown for Deccan Aviation as 4R-DLZ.
With a new paint scheme and refurbished interior, the Airvan looks amazing.
ZK-FSR soon after its arrival at Ardmore 30 August 2016, perhaps for the first time. It was quickly placed under cover with Dennis Thompson International.
FlyStark's Cessna 172 ZK-CWD also on location at Ardmore 30 August 2016.
Awaiting departure... the last Eagle Air Beech 1900 in service, ZK-EAH at Hamilton on 26 August 2016
Air New Zealand announce the departure of flight 2105 to Palmerston North...
A nice touch by Hamilton Airport staff was played as we boarded... Click on the link!
Captain Chris Mortimore was supervising boarding and sitting in the right hand seat.
In the unlikely event of an emergency
The last day of looking into the cockpit of an Air New Zealand flight
GPU unplugged and almost ready to go
The sun going down on Eagle Air
and the last departure from Hamilton
Airborne off 36 passing the Eagle hangars and 3 Beech 1900s awaiting sale
A final flypast of the Waikato River
And then the view for the 50 minute flight was pretty much cloud
A full load of 19 pax
The Desert Road is over there...
Feilding
Left turn for the 07 approach for Palmerston North
Gear down
There is our gate over there!
In the left hand seat, Captain Peter Reid
It was a real privilege to meet Malcolm and Joan Campbell who were guests of honour on the flights between Hamilton and Palmerston North. Malcolm founded the Eagle Flying Academy in 1969. Eagle Airways started air services between Hamilton and Palmerston North on the 3rd of October 1975. Malcolm says his most significant move was introducing the Embraer Bandeirante to the airline's operation. In my opinion this was the most significant event in the history of regional air services in New Zealand and led to most regional airports in New Zealand having multiple flights each day making the aeroplane the most important mover of people around the country over trains and buses.
ZK-EAH being prepared at Palmerston North to operate NZ2421 (EAGLE 421) to Wellington
Eagle 421 on the taxi for Runway 25
Eagle 421 rolling
The final Eagle Air flight - NZ2106 from Palmerston North to Hamilton
ZK-EAH back in Palmerston North after operating EAGLE 426 from Wellington
Fuelling up for the Eagle's Air final flight
A new generation aviation enthusiast... this young man and his mum flew up from Christchurch to fly on the final Eagle flight
Boarding Eagle 2106 for Hamilton - Captain Chris Mortimore greets Captain Alan Breen... Alan and first Officer Barry Brown flew last morning HLZ-PMR-WLG-PMR-HLZ services
Another full ship
Eagle Air's first service was from Hamilton to Palmerston North in 1975... Nearly 41 years later final Hamilton-Palmerston North service
And yes, we were doing the Eagle Rock going into Hamilton
ZK-EAH back in Hamilton
Sarah Williamson, Group General Manager Regional Airlines and Airline Operations for Air New Zealand, met all the passengers coming off the final Eagle Air flight and presented them with a gift bag.
Eagle Air, you rocked!
The regional towns and cities of New Zealand
will miss you!
