Summary
Air Freight NZ was a cargo airline based in Auckland, New Zealand. It operated scheduled overnight cargo services on behalf of owner Freightways, and is supported by sister company Fieldair holdings.[2] Domestic charter services are also operated. Its main base is Auckland Airport, with hubs at Christchurch International Airport and Palmerston North International Airport.[3]
 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Founded | July 1989[1] | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceased operations | July 2016, replaced by Parcelair. | ||||||
| Operating bases | Auckland, Christchurch and Palmerston North | ||||||
| Fleet size | 5 | ||||||
| Destinations | 3 | ||||||
| Parent company | Freightways | ||||||
| Headquarters | Auckland, New Zealand | ||||||
| Website | http://www.fieldair.co.nz | ||||||
History edit
The airline started operations in July 1989,[1] headed by William (Bill) Olsen. Its primary contract was with the courier division of Freightways Group. It is now wholly owned by Freightways Express. The Convair carries 11 cargons[clarification needed] of freight on each trip. Despite its age the Convair is a great performer capable of transporting seven and a half tonnes of freight at 300 kts.[4][5]
Accidents and incidents edit
- 3 October 2003: Air Freight NZ Convair 580, ZK-KFU, was lost off radar near the Kapiti Coast. Fatalities: 2.[6]
- 31 July 1989: Air Freight NZ Convair 580, ZK-FTB, descended shortly after takeoff from Auckland Airport, colliding with a bank before crashing into Manukau Harbour. Fatalities: 3.[1][7]
Destinations edit
Air Freight NZ operated freight services to the following destinations in April 2013:[3] Auckland, Christchurch and Palmerston North. Air Freight operated seven northbound flights per night from Christchurch Airport.
Fleet edit
The former Air Freight NZ fleet consisted of the following aircraft (at June 2014):[3]
Aircraft Fleet 1989-2016 edit
| Aircraft | introduced | Retired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convair 580 | 1989 | 2016 | Seven aircraft |
| Convair 5800 | 2004 | 2015 | One aircraft |
| Piper PA-23-250 Aztec | 1999 | 2016 | Three aircraft. |
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c King, John (1995). Aviation Accidents and Disasters. New Zealand Tragedies. Wellington: Grantham House. p. 136. ISBN 1-86934-042-6.
- ^ "Change for Night Time Flyers". 3rd Level New Zealand. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
- ^ a b c "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 27 March 2007. p. 57.
- ^ "Convair operations: Another Fieldair success story | Pacific Wings". Archived from the original on 30 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
- ^ "Convair Operations: Another Fieldair Success Story". Pacific Wings. 1 June 1991. p. 18.
- ^ "ASN Accident Report".
- ^ "ASN Accident Report".
External links edit
- Fieldair
