tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83977382017624799752024-03-19T18:12:04.911+13:003rd Level New ZealandThis 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.comSteve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.comBlogger4346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-83180497734216691522024-03-19T14:57:00.002+13:002024-03-19T18:11:32.433+13:00New Career Pathway Barrier Air has announced a new partnership with Jetconnect (Qantas) opening up a new pilot career pathway.This exciting partnership will enable Barrier Air pilots to pursue further career opportunities as Jetconnect pilots, gathering valuable experience in New Zealand and flying to Australia.Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-6818415774123067052024-03-17T08:53:00.004+13:002024-03-17T08:53:34.128+13:00Saturday Plane SpottingLate afternoons are great for plane spotting in Auckland with beautiful light... I had family arriving so managed to get 45 minutes in yesterday, 16 March 2024, as mainly internationals arrived...LATAM Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner CC-BGLAir New Zealand ATR 72-600 ZK-MVIAir New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ZK-NZLAir New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ZK-NZQThe family arriving, Air New Zealand Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-62365792525170145052024-03-12T09:51:00.006+13:002024-03-14T08:01:14.057+13:00Now doing Flight TrainingAir Ruatoria have begun flight training from Gisborne using Cessna 152 ZK-FPI (c/n 15281203) following the Cessna 152 being registered to the operator on 17th of December 2023. An office was also opened at Gisborne airport. The operator continues to offer air charter work with Cessna 206 ZK-NVC. Air Ruatoria's Cessna 152 ZK-FPI at Gisborne on 9 March 2024. Photos : Air Ruatoria Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-89442264275896296422024-03-11T07:07:00.002+13:002024-03-11T07:07:15.402+13:00Closer to ServiceGetting a little closer to service is Air Chathams' Saab SF340A ZK_CIT which was outside at Auckland on 10 March 2024. The ex-Rex Air Saab arrived into Auckland from Wagga Wagga and Sydney on the 4th of July 2023 as VH-EKD before being placed on the New Zealand civil aircraft register as ZK-CIT on the 7th of July 2023. Saab 340 VH-EKD at Auckland on 5 July 2023Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-15590632073844744822024-03-10T07:00:01.539+13:002024-03-10T08:05:55.117+13:00Skybus - Trying to Fly through a Legal Loophole Despite never actually flying a revenue
earning service Skybus was one of New Zealand’s most ambitious post-War airline
proposals as it attempted to find a way of competing with the national carrier. It was an innovative idea but from the beginning it was plagued with problems. Its battle to get airborne is a story of not trying to fly through a legal loophole.
On the 6th of October 1980 Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-55334257557836475802024-03-09T14:12:00.004+13:002024-03-09T14:12:55.470+13:00Auckland TurbosAir Chathams' ATR 72-500 ZK-MCU returning home on 4 March 2024Air New Zealand's Bombardier Q300 ZK-NEM about to hold waiting for a gate on 4 March 2024Barrier Air's Cessna 208 Grand Caravan ZK-SDE off into the murk on 4 March 2024 Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-50218578507810707102024-03-08T16:03:00.004+13:002024-03-08T16:03:59.810+13:00International Movements at Auckland on the 4thSingapore Airlines' Airbus 380 9V-SKVEmirates Boeing 777-F1H freighter A6-EFSCathay Pacific's Airbus 350-1000 B-LXF American Airlines' Boeing 787-9 N833AAMy first look at a Jetstar Airbus 321-251NX, VH-OFV Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-34728145619427209022024-03-07T07:00:00.000+13:002024-03-07T07:00:00.146+13:00Questions over Runway Suitability A $17 million upgrade of Masterton airport’s runway may not be enough to get an airline running regular flights in and out of Wairarapa. The Masterton District Council started work on improving its runway yesterday but it would need a favourable safety assessment before an interested operator could fly its 34-seat aircraft from the improved strip. Air Chathams is keen to investigate Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-417965827509036682024-03-06T19:04:00.001+13:002024-03-06T19:04:10.256+13:00Hefty Fare HikeSounds Air has today confirmed it is increasing fares on its Westport and Taupō routes, in response to the extremely challenging economic conditions facing the aviation industry. Sounds Air CEO Andrew Crawford says, “we use a dynamic pricing model across our routes, but the combination of increasing fuel prices, maintenance costs and supply chain issues have been a triple-whammy for the aviation Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-18722673564801079752024-03-05T12:59:00.003+13:002024-03-05T12:59:16.395+13:00Corporates Through AucklandHawker 850XP VH-BMW at Auckland on 2 March 2024Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 OE-IGL at Auckland on 24 March 2024Beech King Air B200 ZK-PMJ at Auckland on 24 March 2024Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign ZK-RXD at Auckland on 24 March 2024Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-39274389412716771102024-03-04T21:22:00.002+13:002024-03-04T21:34:11.903+13:00Embraer's 195-E2In my crystal ball gazing at the beginning of the year, I wrote, One wonders if the arrival of Embraer Regional Jets on the Tasman may make Air New Zealand think of regional jets themselves for regional and domestic services. As ATR services are increasingly full there is an increase in frequency with airports not so easily able to cater for this frequency.Visiting Auckland over the last fewSteve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-28164809963749075072024-03-03T08:40:00.001+13:002024-03-03T08:40:23.531+13:00Bay of Islands During the WeekI was in the Bay of Islands for the week and managed to zip out to Kerikeri airport a couple of times. The one of most interest was Cessna 208 Caravan that I wasn't able to photograph. It seemed to be doing some work for Merlin Labs.Arriving into Kerikeri on 27 February 2024 was Air New Zealand Bombardier Q300 ZK-NEJ, my first photo of it the black schemeSalt Air's Gippsland GA8 Airvan ZK-MAB wasSteve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-51883879635033825832024-03-01T09:00:00.002+13:002024-03-01T09:00:00.141+13:00New West Coast Helicopter and Possible Skiplane Operations INFLITE Group
makes a grand return to flying on the West Coast, with INFLITE Franz & Fox
Helicopters. An exciting extension that has become the immediate go-to for
local and international tourists wanting exclusive access to the most
incredible, scenic attractions of New Zealand’s South Island. The return
launches a fresh portfolio of premium helicopter flight and landing products
Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-31205507234550466712024-02-29T09:00:00.000+13:002024-02-29T09:00:00.126+13:00Post Update #2 In the last month I have done a major rework on my post on Southern Air. It can be found here...https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2010/05/nzs-southern-most-airline-part-2.htmlSteve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-9106757991277033432024-02-28T08:37:00.000+13:002024-02-28T08:37:31.422+13:00Masterton on the cards again?With the Hood Aerodrome improvement project about to get underway, one airline is already putting its hand up to express an interest in providing an air service. Air Chathams chief operating officer Duane Emeny is enthusiastic about the prospect of launching an air link between Wairarapa and Auckland, saying the airline has always had an interest in the region. “We’ve seen a huge amount of growthSteve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-19991112939424302962024-02-27T09:00:00.001+13:002024-02-27T09:00:00.126+13:00Post Update #1 In the last month I have done a major rework on my post on Stewart Island Air Services. It can be found here... https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2010/04/nzs-southern-most-airline-pt-1-stewart.htmlSteve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-87760421304886623522024-02-24T13:12:00.002+13:002024-02-24T13:16:28.766+13:00Unhappy Airport Customers Barrier Air to Hike Fares Amidst Auckland Airport $8 Billion MakeoverAuckland Airport’s ambitious $8 billion redevelopment project is casting a shadow over regional carriers, with Barrier Air at the forefront of concerns as airport taxes are set to surge. Grant Bacon, Chief Executive of Barrier Air, expressed apprehensions Friday over the impending financial strain, stating, “Some costs Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-42616046390901696982024-02-22T19:12:00.003+13:002024-02-22T19:12:54.807+13:00Jetting through Auckland...Gulfstream G450 B-8301 at Auckland on 16 February 2024Dassault Falcon 2000LX ZK-OCB at Auckland on 16 February 2024Cessna 510 Citation Mustang ZK-VXM at Auckland on 16 February 2024One that I took last month... Bombardier CRJ-100LR C-FIPX at Auckland on 9 January 2024 Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-53756227657064648162024-02-20T10:01:00.001+13:002024-02-20T10:01:50.818+13:00Using this blog on mobile...Using this blog on a mobile differs to using it on a laptop or computer. How the blog appears on the mobile is simplified and misses some features that make searching the blog easier.However it is very easy to access these features. Below the Home button tap VIEW WEB VERSIONOn the right hand side are quick links to my profiles or histories of individual airlines. There are also quick Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-8760383379304840442024-02-18T09:00:00.002+13:002024-02-18T10:07:03.781+13:00Part-Time Freight Service Ended? Merlin Labs, seems to have ceased operating their regular air freight service which began on the 29th of June 2023. The service operated alongside their development of pilotless flight technology. The last flight was operated on the 15th of December 2023 with Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster ZK-MLO operating from Kerikeri to Auckland and then returning to Kerikeri via Whangarei. Their Cessna Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-28350674676926611942024-02-17T09:00:00.010+13:002024-02-17T09:00:00.130+13:00ZK-POF now an AussieThanks to Greg who has let me know that ex-Air Chathams Fairchild Metro 23 ZK-POF was added to the Australian civil aircraft register as VH-SEF on 8 February 2024, with the registration holder being Eastwest Aviation Pty Ltd and the registered operator, Sharp Aviation Pty Ltd. He tells me this is the second Metro to hold the VH-SEF rego. The Metro departed New Zealand on the 5th of January this Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-77502542860499314982024-02-16T16:27:00.001+13:002024-02-16T16:27:29.743+13:00New Plane for Barrier Air? Spotted yesterday at Auckland International was Pacific Aerospace 750XK ZK-SDT amongst the other Barrier Air ZK-SDx series aircraft...ZK-SDB, ZK-SDT and ZK-SDEZK-SDT and ZK-SDEZK-SDT at Auckland on 15 February 2024Contrary to popular rumour the Pacific Aerospace 750XL is not being used to launch a new Barrier Air service between Parakai and Great Barrier Island... it was in fact on Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-49112513421168356132024-02-15T20:18:00.003+13:002024-02-15T20:18:27.164+13:00Masterton Airport Development PlansThanks to Jarden who sent me this link... It is some months old but still interestingHood Aerodrome infrastructure project re-scoped13 September 2023Masterton District Council has agreed to a re-scoping of what will be delivered as part of the Hood Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade Project. Over the past year, project cost estimates have risen to the point where reprioritisation is needed to Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-49649685431468109152024-02-14T12:57:00.002+13:002024-02-14T21:43:58.910+13:00Auckland on Monday eveningI arrived back into Auckland on 12 February to a beautiful evening and rather than sit on the Auckland motorway I decided to do a little plane spotting...Air China Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner B-7898 arriving from BeijingAir Chathams' Saab 340A ZK-CIY off to to WhanganuiAir Chathams' Saab 340B ZK-CIZ off to to ParaparaumuAir New Zealand ATR 72-600 ZK-MVA off to NelsonAir New Zealand ATR 72-600 ZK-MVI Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397738201762479975.post-32648443578353743872024-02-13T09:33:00.003+13:002024-02-13T09:33:30.446+13:00Christchurch YesterdayI had a little time in Koru yesterday in Christchurch before my flight to Auckland...Cathay Pacific's Airbus 350 B-LXA departs Christchurch on 12 February 2024On the taxi out at Christchurch on 12 February 2024, Air New Zealand's ATR 72-600 ZK-MVB On the taxi in at Christchurch on 12 February 2024, Air New Zealand's Bombardier Q300 ZK-NEMSounds Air's Pilatus PC12 ZK-PLB arriving from Steve Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06894943682751269848noreply@blogger.com0