note

Domestic airline of New Zealand was incorporated after World War II by combining operations of number or smaller carriers. Operations commenced in April 1948 between Rotorua and Wellington. NAC was itself a government-led amalgamation of RNZAF 40 Transport Squadron, Union Airways and a number of other smaller operators, including the country's first commercial air service Air Travel (NZ) Ltd. At the time of its inception (1945), it was equipped with de Havilland Dragon Rapides, de Havilland Fox Moths, Douglas DC-3s, Lockheed Electras, Lockheed Lodestars, and one de Havilland Express which latter was returned to the RNZAF before the official 1947 inaugural start date. Besides serving North and South Islands, NAC also operated short-haul flights to the Oceania. Samoa, Cook Islands, Norfolk Island and Fijji were served until 1952 when TEAL took over. using converted ex-Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Short Sunderland IIIs, as well as long-rang Douglas DC-3Ds to Fiji via Norfolk Island. In 1958 NAC received its first turboprop - Vickers Viscount and later Fokker F-27 Friendships. In 1968, airline's first jet Boeing 737 arrived in Wellington. Airline's passenger numbers kept growing and NAC considered buying larger aircraft. State owned Air New Zealand decided to merge NAC rather than to start competition in relatively small New Zealand market. By the time of the merger with Air New Zealand, the fleet consisted of 25 aircraft comprising Boeing 737s and Fokker F27s. Engineering workshops were set up at Christchurch, Whenuapai (Auckland), Palmerston North, Gisborne and Nelson.

founded - demised (age)

1947 - April 1 1978  (31)

headquarters

, Wellington

web

base airports

NZWN International Wellington
NZAA International Auckland

related operators

Air New Zealand	acquired by
Union Airways of N.Z. Ltd	predecessor