Monday, November 30, 2015

'Con Air' flight carrying deportees to New Zealand did not have authority to land

The flight dubbed 'Con Air' that carried deported criminals from Australia did not have authority to land in New Zealand.

The Ministry of Transport has confirmed to ONE News that Skytraders, an Australian airline, failed to get prior approval for the non-scheduled flight, which arrived in Auckland on November 19.

It was carrying 12 deportees from Christmas Island, and had flown from Perth, by way of Melbourne.

They were sent back to New Zealand under a tough new immigration policy.

A ministry spokeswoman said the law requires operators to obtain authorization from the Secretary of Transport.

"The operator of the flight (Skytraders) had not sought prior approval from the Ministry of Transport," the spokeswoman said.

No specific authorization was required from the CAA and the CAA had no concerns with the flight.

"The requirement for operators of non-scheduled flights to seek authorization is an administrative requirement.

"It exists to ensure that the operator is not circumventing New Zealand's bilateral air services agreements which relate to scheduled services, and to confirm the operator is complying with all relevant safety and security requirements."

The plane was allowed to land.

Officials reminded Skytraders of its obligations shortly after it landed.

However, they decided not to prosecute the airline because it held a Foreign Air Operator certificate and complied with other rules. 

The spokeswoman said Skytraders had previously received authorization for and operated non-scheduled services to New Zealand.

A second flight, carrying 11 deportees, arrived at Auckland Airport on Thursday.

Ricardo Young, 29, who had served two years of a three year sentence for aggravated robbery, has told ONE News how he was handed an $8200 bill for the flight.

That's despite Australian immigration minister Peter Dutton stating last month that he was "happy" to pay for deportees airfares.

Under a New Zealand law change, those arriving back will be subject to parole and monitoring conditions.

Story and video:  https://www.tvnz.co.nz

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