Air New Zealand Technical Operations Open Day – Auckland 04 April 2009
Air New Zealand’s engineering division, christened Technical Operations, threw open its doors to the family and friends of the company’s employees to be a part of the usually closed world of the Air NZ jet base. Normally work routines and security issues would see the base off limits to anyone but those needing to be there however the business sees it as being extremely beneficial to open the facility up and give a fantastic insight into the day to day running of such a mammoth operation. A sizeable crowd mingled amongst the cavernous hangers and the equipment therein delighting young and old. Aircraft from across the fleet were present along with an RNZAF Hercules, NZ7005, on static display and the Douglas DC3 ZK-DAK from Ardmore conducting no fewer than four scenic flights from Auckland. A great result for this wonderful workhorse of the skies.
Boeing 777-200ER ZK-OKH was nosed into bay 1 of Hanger 2 and at the time was undergoing a cabin reconfiguration which will see an increase in the number of premium economy seats. This part of the aircraft was closed to viewing however the cockpit was a major drawcard with a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Snuggling close to the 777 was Boeing 737-300 ZK-NGK opened up from front to back for yet another stream of onlookers. A collection of engines from the 4 jets Air NZ operate were on display giving a fantastic comparison in sizes. Near them was a seating area with a stage erected for musical acts that ran for much of the day. Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N585HA sat in bay 3 and was off limits to the public having only been inducted to the hanger the previous day. Immediately outside hanger 2 sitting behind the 777 were Air NZ Link Beech 1900D ZK-EAA and Air National Jetstream 32EP ZK-ECP, the latter an aircraft often seen flying on behalf of Air NZ Link. Unfortunately neither a Bombardier Q300 or ATR 72-212 where on hand nor was an Airbus A320.
Across at hanger 3 Boeing 747-400 ZK-SUH was on display with the entire cabin, cockpit and crew rest areas open for viewing. Almost unnoticed sitting directly under the -400 was Cri Cri ZK-LBW owned by former 747 Captain Nev Hay. Also in hanger 3 were visiting Auster ZK-BDY owned by an Air NZ employee and Tiger Moth ZK-AIA. The Papakura branch of NZ Coastguard had their flash boat and vehicle on hand and a number of other displays including remote control aircraft and classic cars festooned the perimeter of the hanger. Outside looking forlorn was retired Boeing 747-400 ZK-NBS, now a glorified glider with all four engines removed for storage. The aircraft was open for viewing throughout and the cabin remains untouched since its last flight with the airline with everything still in its place. The future of her remains unknown.
Next to ZK-NBS sat Hercules NZ7005, always a draw card for a walk through, and adjacent to it was towed yet another Boeing 747-400 ZK-NBW. This aircraft only spent a few hours on the ramp being moved to and from the international apron for the event. Douglas DC3 ZK-DAK flew local flights from taxiway C4 thrilling those who took a ride in this great classic.
The Auckland International Airport Rescue Fire team had a couple of Stryker fire fighting vehicles on hand and these periodically sprayed unsuspecting spectators much to the delight of children who spent time in their cabs!
