Eagle Air Incident Update

Air New Zealand is providing specialist support to the two pilots and seven customers involved in this morning’s Eagle Air incident.

Group General Manager Short Haul Airline Bruce Parton says Air New Zealand’s highly trained Special Assistance Team is providing support to the customers, who are being interviewed by Police and Avsec at Christchurch Airport and to the two pilots who are receiving medical attention at Christchurch hospital.

Mr Parton says safety and security are paramount and non-negotiable for Air New Zealand.

“We have a proud history as one of the world’s leading airlines when it comes to customer and staff safety and security. Today’s incident, although a one-off, has naturally given us cause to conduct a thorough review of our safety and security systems and processes on regional domestic flights. As part of this review we will be working closely with the relevant authorities, such as the CAA and Avsec,” Mr Parton says.

Today’s flight was operated on behalf of Air New Zealand by Air National and the two pilots are employed by that company.

Air National Chief Executive Officer Jason Gray says his company is extremely proud of the efforts of its two pilots in an extremely difficult situation.

“They did an amazing job, which reflects their high level of training and professionalism. We are currently providing them and their families with all necessary support,” says Mr Gray