Pacific Express Holdings Ltd
Auckland based cargo operator Pacific Express flew the first Ukraine registered aircraft to visit New Zealand through Ohakea during 1993. Ilyushin 76MD Candid UR-76408 (c/n 0053460820) had arrived in Auckland on 15 March 1993 from Singapore and Brisbane before being ferried down to Ohakea using the callsign EXPO152 later that evening arriving at 7.39pm. After loading the first of two shipments of texel and finn sheep the aircraft departed the next morning as EXPO152 at 4.11am direct to Adelaide with the livestock destined for a South Australian farm as part of an embryo transfer programme. UR-76408 next touched down at Ohakea at 9.18am on 17 March 1993 as EXPO153 and following the successful loading of the second consignment of sheep the aircraft again departed direct to Adelaide the same day at 7.30pm.
One further visit was made by this aircraft to Ohakea in March 1993. It ferried in as EXPO408 from Auckland on 20 March 1993 for display at the Wings and Wheels event held that day on the base. it returned to Auckland later the same day, however not before being utilised in an attempt to create a New Zealand record for the greatest number of skydivers linked together at once, flown during the afternoon's display. This ties in nicely with Ross's recollection of the IL76 visiting Whenuapai 19 March 1993 to have a deep clean of the cavernous cargo hold post its sheep moving exercise!!!
Interesting, the particular aircraft was noted with the rear gun turret housing still fitted while apparently chaff dispensing equipment was still in place (in a housing above the rest gun turret). This Candid had commenced life as CCCP-76642 and saw service with both the Soviet Air Force and Aeroflot Airlines. This was prior to moving onto Atlant SV Aircompany based at Tsentralyn Airport in Simferopol, Ukraine who in turn leased the aircraft to Pacific Express.
A shot of UR-76408 in full Pacific Express colours can be found HERE
