More disruption feared as planes grounded

AIR NEW ZEALAND passengers face a second day of travel disruption today, after the grounding of 11 aircraft because of safety concerns.

About 60 one-way services were cancelled yesterday, affecting up to 3000 people across New Zealand.

Air New Zealand cancelled most ATR services operated by subsidiary Mount Cook Airline after hairline cracks were found in the area around the windows of the cockpit in one aircraft during routine overnight maintenance in Christchurch.

The flights, mostly to regional centres, were cancelled by the airline so all aircraft could be inspected.

Mount Cook Airline general manager Sarah Williamson said the airline would operate about two-thirds of its normal seat capacity today, with three ATR aircraft in service and additional flights from other aircraft in the Air New Zealand fleet.

Inspections continued on the rest of the fleet in collaboration with aircraft manufacturer ATR, she said.

‘‘We are making good progress. Of our fleet of 11 aircraft, we expect two aircraft to be operating tomorrow; three others require closer examination and five are well advanced in the inspection process. One aircraft was already in the hangar for pre-planned maintenance.’’

She expected to introduce more aircraft back into service later today.

Passenger Warwick Rasmussen said yesterday that he was told his flight from Christchurch to Palmerston North would be delayed for four hours and was then told it was cancelled. However, the flight ended up leaving only about 50 minutes late.

Ms Williamson said the airline regretted the cancellations and the inconvenience they caused.

‘‘However, the safety of our customers, our staff and our aircraft is paramount and non-negotiable for Mount Cook and Air New Zealand.’’

Customers whose flights were cancelled yesterday were being contacted where possible and alternative arrangements were being made for them, including free-of-charge ticket changes.

The ATR-500S have been in service with Mount Cook since 1999 and have an average age of 10.9 years.

Urgent checks: Mount Cook’s ATRS are being inspected after hairline cracks were found.