Post by flyjoe180 on Oct 18, 2007 16:14:05 GMT 12
Blenheim's airport is flying high after being awarded a national Interspace Trophy for its handling of a recent belly-flop plane emergency.
On June 18 an Eagle Airways Beech 1900D plane bound for Wellington had to make an emergency landing at Blenheim Airport after its landing gear failed. All of the 17 people onboard were unharmed in the landing, which was overseen by fire, ambulance, police, airport and other support staff.
Now airport operator Marlborough Airport Ltd is the proud recipient of the Interspace Trophy, an award from the New Zealand Airports Association (NZAA) which recognises the top regional airport in the country. The large silver trophy is likely to be displayed at the airport before it has to be returned in a year, and replaced with a smaller, permanent cup.
Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman applauded the accolade, which he said illustrated how well prepared the region's emergency services were for such an event. He also gave credit to the safety standards in place at the airport, which was unique in its proximity to an Air Force base.
"We are fortunate that the presence of RNZAF Base Woodbourne, and the good working relationship between the airport company and the base personnel, gives us an exceptional emergency response capacity."
Base Woodbourne wing commander Dave Green agreed and said the combined response had illustrated the "harmonious working relationship" enjoyed by the parties involved.
"This was a significant emergency for a small regional airport but the planning processes, and the operational management on the day, all came together," he said.
Marlborough Airport Ltd is a subsidiary of the MDC and operates the commercial airport. The RNZAF owns the airfield and runways.
The NZAA is in its infancy having been formed about a year and a half ago but represents most airports in New Zealand. Tauranga Airport is the only other recipient of the Interspace Trophy.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4242402a6008.html
On June 18 an Eagle Airways Beech 1900D plane bound for Wellington had to make an emergency landing at Blenheim Airport after its landing gear failed. All of the 17 people onboard were unharmed in the landing, which was overseen by fire, ambulance, police, airport and other support staff.
Now airport operator Marlborough Airport Ltd is the proud recipient of the Interspace Trophy, an award from the New Zealand Airports Association (NZAA) which recognises the top regional airport in the country. The large silver trophy is likely to be displayed at the airport before it has to be returned in a year, and replaced with a smaller, permanent cup.
Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman applauded the accolade, which he said illustrated how well prepared the region's emergency services were for such an event. He also gave credit to the safety standards in place at the airport, which was unique in its proximity to an Air Force base.
"We are fortunate that the presence of RNZAF Base Woodbourne, and the good working relationship between the airport company and the base personnel, gives us an exceptional emergency response capacity."
Base Woodbourne wing commander Dave Green agreed and said the combined response had illustrated the "harmonious working relationship" enjoyed by the parties involved.
"This was a significant emergency for a small regional airport but the planning processes, and the operational management on the day, all came together," he said.
Marlborough Airport Ltd is a subsidiary of the MDC and operates the commercial airport. The RNZAF owns the airfield and runways.
The NZAA is in its infancy having been formed about a year and a half ago but represents most airports in New Zealand. Tauranga Airport is the only other recipient of the Interspace Trophy.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4242402a6008.html
