Press Release: Vincent Aviation

Wellington based Vincent Aviation is planning Dash 8 airliner sight seeing flights over the icebergs currently drifting towards New Zealand, Chief Executive Officer, Peter Vincent said today.

“We are currently monitoring the position of the icebergs and once they come within our approved range of offshore flying we will commence flights from the closest airport, possibly Invercargill and other southern and east coast airports ” he says.

“With parts of Antarctica beginning to display evidence of climate change, this will be a first class opportunity to examine the practical consequences of warming.

“Three years ago Vincent Aviation ran a series of highly successful flights when the last icebergs were close to New Zealand. These latest icebergs look massive and particularly interesting, from the scientific point of view and sheer interest.”

On previous flights out of East Coast airports iceberg experts were carried to provide a commentary meaning flights were not only interesting but educational as well and it is planned to repeat this service once again.

Depending on location of the bergs it is possible that the flights may route overhead the Sub Antarctic Auckland Islands – a rare opportunity for most New Zealanders.

Vincent Aviation plans using its twin engine Dash 8 turbo prop airliner for the flights. “These are comfortable, pressurized and fully equipped for instrument flight. With the high wing, it is an ideal platform for viewing,” he said.

Note: on current movements of the icebergs, flights will be made in 12-14 days and details will be advised closer to the actual date.

ENDS