Air Freight NZ
Cargo airline in Auckland, NZ
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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| Founded | July 1989[1] | ||||||
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| 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
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
- 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
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
The former Air Freight NZ fleet consisted of the following aircraft (at June 2014):[3]
Aircraft Fleet 1989-2016
| 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. |
