Air NZ: Air Force an option for Erebus Antarctica trip

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Erebus

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Air New Zealand says using the Royal New Zealand Air Force could be an option for families of victims of the Erebus disaster wishing to visit Antarctica.

In a statement the airline's general manager of operations land safety, David Morgan, said Air New Zealand no longer had the experience to fly to Antarctica.

He says the RNZAF had the option of using its Boeing 757s which are used for freight and passenger transport.

The RNZAF has never landed a 757 at Williams Field, near Scott Base, but the Australian Antarctic Programme uses a commercial Airbus 321 to service its base.

Relatives of victims of the Mt Erebus air disaster failed in a second attempt today to lay a wreath on the mountain to mark the 30th anniversary of the Air New Zealand DC10 crash, which killed 257 people in 1979.

High winds prevented a helicopter from landing.

Morgan said Air New Zealand will be working with the Government and Antarctica New Zealand to explore opportunities for more representatives of families lost in the Erebus tragedy to visit the accident scene.

"The clear message we have had from the families we have been in discussion with over the past few months is that the opportunity to set foot in Antarctica and to see Mt Erebus, and visit it if the weather permits, is where Air New Zealand and the Government need to be focusing their energy," Morgan said in a statement.

He said the final decision on whether there are more trips for family representatives ultimately rests with the government and Antarctica New Zealand as the owners of the resources required.

"If their view is that further trips are not practical, we will turn our attention to discussing with Government the opportunity for family representatives to fly over Antarctica. 

"Just like this first trip for six family representatives, it remains our firm view that those who lost loved ones should not have to pay to see the environment that had such an impact on their lives."