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Source: ONE News -
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Christchurch businessman Mike Pero has confirmed to ONE News that he has put his planned charter flight to Mt Erebus on hold.
Pero says crewing issues have forced the move and the plan hasn't been cancelled altogether, just put on hold.
"The very latest is that we now have crewing issues. I don't believe they're insurmountable but obviously in an aircraft you need pilots and flight attendants," he says.
The news comes after Air New Zealand initially condemned the plan as a PR stunt , calling it "nothing more than commercial opportunism of the lowest kind and deeply disrespectful."
However, on Thursday the airline offered to work with Pero, saying it has no objections in principle but was concerned about the timing.
The airline said it would work with Pero to facilitate contact with the families of Erebus victims, so he can better understand their wishes before proceeding.
Air NZ is taking a group of six relatives of Erebus victims to the ice on Friday morning for the 30th anniversary of the Air New Zealand DC10's crash on November 28, 1979, when 257 passengers and crew died.
Pero says he has been sent hundred of emails of support, with many people wanting more information on the plan.
The row has led to calls for the government to step up - something the Prime Minister says they will consider.
"I personally would like to see more of them get the opportunity, probably in something that's a little bit better than simply a fly over," says John Key.
