The Aircraft of Air New Zealand and Affiliates Since 1940

On 17 December 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first sustained, controlled flights in a powered aircraft. So began a transport mode that steadily became fundamentally important to the people of the world. A century after the Wright brothers' first pioneering initiatives, this book, for the first time, provides a complete record of all the aircraft that have been used by New Zealand's national carrier Air New Zealand, its predecessors - Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) and New Zealand National Airways Corporation (NAC) - and its subsidiaries and affiliates - Mount Cook Airline, Freedom Air, Air Nelson, Eagle Airways and Straits Air Freight Express (SAFE Air). The range of aircraft so covered is enormous - from basic early de Havillands through flying boats and DC3s to the latest jets from Boeing and Airbus. But not only is the book concerned with aircraft, it also features early interior scenes, advertisements and memorabilia that will evoke nostalgia among all those who have traveled by air within New Zealand and to its neighbors since 1940. Lavishly illustrated with over 300 beautiful photographs from both official archives and aviation enthusiasts, some two thirds of which are in full color, this book provides all the details to make it the definitive look-up reference work, including all registrations and construction numbers of the aircraft and their origin and disposal details. And every livery that the airlines have used is represented. Everyone interested in the history of aviation should have this book on their shelves.