Fuel restriction in New Zealand
2022.12.07 02:07
Fuel restriction in New Zealand
Budrigannews.com – After a recent shipment of jet fuel failed government tests, major regional airlines say they expect to continue scheduled flights with New Zealand.
According to Cath O’Brien, an official of a national panel of airline representatives, jet fuel supplies at the country’s largest airport, Auckland, will be restricted to 75% of planned allocations.
However, both the national airline Air New Zealand and a representative of a second major regional airline, who requested anonymity due to the lack of permission to speak with the media, ruled out any immediate adjustments to the schedule.
David Morgan, the national carrier’s chief safety officer, stated, “We know how important it is to get our customers around our network in the lead-up to Christmas, and our team are working hard to ensure we will continue.”
He added that there were currently no plans to alter the schedule.
Z Energy, the importer that supplies about 40% of New Zealand’s transportation fuels, reported on Monday that routine tests revealed conductivity levels above regulatory thresholds. However, prior tests both on the way and upon arrival had revealed no issues.
According to a company spokesperson, Z Energy is considering various options, such as placing an order for a new shipment.
A foreign refinery will reprocess the majority of the suspect fuel. In April, Marsden Point, north of Auckland, the sole refinery in New Zealand, was turned into an import-only terminal.
By December 18, the next scheduled shipment, which is scheduled to arrive on December 12, will be usable.
O’Brien said territorial carriers would relieve the effect of decreased supplies by stacking additional fuel at objections like Australia, however longer-pull aircrafts would have to think about refueling stops or compromising freight for more fuel.
O’Brien, the executive director of the Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand, added, “So while it’s possible, it’s not simple and it’s not cheap.”
