Nationwide loses planes

Press, 11 May 1979, Page 4

Nationwide loses planes

PA Wellington Nationwide Air’s Cook Strait car ferry freighters are grounded at Wellington airport and for sale. Auckland solicitors have stopped Nationwide’s lease on the two Carvair freighters and offered them to another New Zealand aviation firm. The move comes as Nationwide is encountering a liquidity problem which last week resulted in late salary payments to its staff. The Carvairs, worth about $250,000 each, have been employed less than a year ferrying new vehicles and freight between the North and South Island.

Business has been steady, but mechanical difficulties with both aircraft at once did not help Nationwide. Both planes have been idle near Wellington Airport’s cargo terminal for the last two weeks. One is awaiting a new engine, and the other needs an overhaul before a new certifi-

cate of airworthiness cai be issued.

Nationwide also says i is owed more than $50,00, in fuel rebates from thi Ministry of Transport An Auckland solicitot Mr D. Sincock, said yestep day that a company he act! for, Credit Finance Ahl Ltd, had stopped Nation wide’s lease on the Can vairs this week. Credit Fin ance Air, Ltd, owns the ain craft.

Negotiations are unden way with a big centra) North Island aviation fin* so that the Carvairs can b* sold.

A director of Nationwide Air, Mr J. G. Rutherford) a Christchurch solicitor) said that Nationwide wa* already negotiating to buj replacement aircraft. Nationwide’s managing director (Mr M. Thompi son) said later that he hoped the new service might start within weeks* It is thought that the firm is looking at Carvair* owned by Sir Freddie Laker’s British Air Ferries*