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DC-10 wreckage - Source: Antarctica NZ Collection -
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There is a major stoush brewing as New Zealand gets ready to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the country's worst air disaster.
Air New Zealand has released a scathing statement after learning of plans by mortgage broker Mike Pero, to charter a flight to Mt Erebus .
Pero announced on Wednesday that he would charter a Boeing 747 in January for 307 people who wished to travel to Antarctica to pay their respects.
The Air New Zealand DC-10, Flight 901, crashed into Mount Erebus on November 28, 1979, killing all 257 passengers and crew.
Air New Zealand said that they were "deeply disturbed" by what they say, appears to be a PR stunt by Pero.
Air New Zealand say Pero is using the tragedy's 30th anniversary for commercial gain and that his announcement is "nothing more than commercial opportunism of the lowest kind and deeply disrespectful."
The company said Pero did not discuss his plans with chief executive Rob Fyfe or the team managing the Erebus anniversary trip.
Air NZ said Pero released his media release 20 minutes after letting media know his plans.
"Mr Pero's timing, and lack of consultation leading up to this announcement, has led many people to question whether he is opportunistically using the media and public interest in this anniversary and the emotions of families affected by this tragedy to promote this commercial venture."
Air New Zealand have been working closely with the families of those lost in the Erebus tragedy over the past few months leading up to the memorial flight to Antarctica this Saturday.
The airline says Pero could not guarantee a flight over Mt Erebus as weather conditions were extremely changeable.
Pero said he was "deeply disappointed and hurt" by Air NZ's comments.
"Somewhere in the airline something has been misconstrued."
He said he had spoken with the company about his proposal in the last few days.
"It was a pleasant conversation and there was absolutely no suggestion that it was distasteful or disrespectful. In fact I suggested they may like to consider having representation on the flight."
Pero said careful consideration had been given to the trip.
"If I have offended anyone please accept this as my most sincere
apologies - I was just trying to help.
"So far as commercial gain goes, I'd happily make all nett proceeds
payable back to Air New Zealand's own charity - Koru Care.
"PR stunt? Hardly - I don't need the publicity, I'm not an airline and I don't ever want to be one. I'd prefer Air New Zealand take this role as I'm busy in other areas - reality is it's probably very difficult for the airline to be seen operating in the region again."
Pero said he was "totally bewildered" as to why they (Air NZ) would respond as they have.
"I'm sure there will be a logical explanation by Air New Zealand and I would happily work with them to get through this one."
Pero says he was moved by the stories of those who had friends and relatives on board and he wanted to help people who still needed closure.
The trip would primarily be for family and friends of the Erebus disaster victims, he says.
"When I saw that only six family members of the victims were getting to go down to commemorate this anniversary, I was moved to do something for them," Pero says.
Tickets will cost between $1400 and $8600, depending on seating preferences.
"The aircraft will not land but will spend a couple of hours in
the region," he said.
Is Air New Zealand right to criticise Mike Pero's plans or
is this all just an unseemly distraction from the Mt Erebus
anniversary commemorations? Leave your comments on the messageboard
below.
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lewishoward said on 2009-11-26 @ 17:11 NZDT: Report abusive post
Are people not allowed to do kind things for others?he is just offering people who want to visit the crash site the chance if they want to.He is not doing it too make money he is doing it for cost!
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patrickr said on 2009-11-26 @ 12:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why not take a passenger plane of similar size to those originally used for the Antarctic flights ? Air NZ completed a number of sightseeing flights to this area at the time. The advantage being that there would be more seats available compared to a Cargo plane.
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Sue_1 said on 2009-11-26 @ 06:26 NZDT: Report abusive post
How about less attention on Mike Pero (which is very much in Air New Zealand's favour) and more attention on the size of plane being used for Air New Zealand's trip - WHO and HOW MANY they are taking in preference to the victim's families. Why do these people need seats in the place of victim's families? - who I'm assuming are not being charged anything at all for the trip which is so LONG overdue.
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Post new commentPaulNZ said on 2009-11-28 @ 18:12 NZDT: Report abusive post
For someone whom has lost 2 on the flight a fly by whislt nice would not cover it. Air NZ have given 6 the opportunity which is all that could logistically be able to to contend with in the location which is not like its downtown. I commend Air NZ for the opportunity they have provided even though its for a few. It was a NZ tradegy and my feeling was New Zealand failed to look after those that were affected and no single company or person can be blaimed.
martins_chc_nz said on 2009-11-28 @ 12:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
I find it odd how little credit has been given to the US Antarctic Program for their involvement in this event. It was their plane, not Air New Zealand, or Antarctica NZ who flew the family members down to the ice. And all credit to Mike Pero, good on you mate. Why Air new Zealand would not send ALL the families down is just questionable beyond belief. Are those 6 more important than the others or is it simply yet another occurance of corporate greed being more important than compassion.
chrispy said on 2009-11-26 @ 16:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
I believe Air New Zealand should start looking at its self with regardsa to be respectful. I took this so called iconic company 30 years to get up the guts to appologise, that is if you can call that episode an appology. Good on Mike Pero. Air New Zealand should put on a flight for All the Families, who lost loved ones, Feee of Any Cost..!!!
Lulu45 said on 2009-11-26 @ 10:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think the gesture is great, however, Air New Zealand should be taking all the families that suffered this tragedy down and they should be apologising for the errors that were made - 30 years on the wounds are still raw and it is time to heal
Mananan said on 2009-11-26 @ 08:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think Mike is just giving more people who lost someone a chance to see the site. Air New Zealand, if you really cared, you would fill up an enitre aircraft of family and friends of the victims for free, rather than the pathetic effort of 6 that you have done.