Comet-watchers’ night flights

Press, 25 February 1986, Page 7

Comet-watchers’ night flights

Charter night flights on board Mount Cook Airlines’ Hawker Siddeley aircraft have been organised by a new tour company catering for Halley’s Comet watchers. Stardust Tours, Ltd, has been formed to cater for an expected influx of 15,000 to 20,000 overseas visitors to New Zealand many of whom will be here to see the comet

from one of the world’s best vantage points.

The $265 deal includes a video and cocktails at a hotel before a coach ride to the airport fdf the flight itself, which will last about an hour.

The package has been organised for Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and Christchurch and covers flights on April 6 to 14. Three flights will be made

each evening. The tour company claims the flights will help comet watchers to see the comet better as they rise above the clouds which cover New Zealand skies about half the time in April. They will also raise passengers above pollution and the distraction of bright lights on the ground.

A Palmerston North

businessman has arranged for British Airways to bring a Concorde aircraft to New Zealand for two charter flights, also catering for comet watchers. The aircraft’s flight path on the London to Auckland route (and return) has been planned to take in the best possible view of the comet. The aircraft will make its first landing in New Zealand on April 6.