Jumbo Jet May Land At Christchurch

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31994, 22 May 1969, Page 6

Jumbo Jet May Land At Christchurch

Christchurch residents may see the giant Boeing 747 jumbo jet which is expected to come to New Zealand in the course of a round-the-world proving flight in September or October.

It will be the biggest commercial jet to have visited New Zealand. The 713,0001 b aircraft is expected to land at Auckland Airport first It is believed that the aircraft is also being brought to the Dominion for Air New Zealand to have a look at it The Boeing company hopes to have the 747 certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration by October as the aircraft is due for delivery to Pan American World Airways by December. At present there are five 747 s in the certification programme. If there are no delays through bad weather or technical reasons, it is almost certain that the proving flight will be made.

It is expected that the plane will be seen over a number of New Zealand cities. There is little doubt about the capability of Christchurch Airport to handle the aircraft. The runway length is no problem and, according to a Boeing official, the 747 will land anywhere that a 707 or a DCS will land. Whether it will come to Christchurch will depend on the Civil Aviation Division of the Ministry of Transport. The aircraft is expected to be in the Dominion for two or threedays.