Sqwark2000
1st Sep 2005, 11:48
Pilot Suspended After PM Criticism
01/09/2005 NewstalkZB
The Prime Minister says she has accepted an Air New Zealand pilot's apology, for comments that she did not support the national carrier.
The pilot has been stood down after telling passengers Helen Clark was holding up a plane because she was trying to get a charter flight to Invercargill when her Air New Zealand aircraft was delayed by fog in Wellington.
He quipped: 'so much for supporting the national carrier.'
Miss Clark says she was told of the announcement by colleague Trevor Mallard when she got back on the plane. She says she spoke to the cabin staff, and they relayed her disappointment to the pilot who then invited her to the cockpit. Miss Clark says she did not hold up the plane because several people got on after she had finally boarded.
Air New Zealand says the broadside fired at the Prime Minister by the pilot was in jest but inappropriate nonetheless. Chief pilot David Morgan says the pilot realised his error and apologised unreservedly but he has been taken off duty for several days. Captain Morgan says the man's communication style needs some honing, so he will have some training.
Speaking in Invercargill, Prime Minister Helen Clark says she was rather stunned by the comments made by the pilot.
Meanwhile National leader Don Brash says he feels sorry for the pilot .
Dr Brash was also on the plane and says the pilot obviously got a flea in his ear from the PM. He believes the pilot was expressing the view of many on the plane who had been waiting a long time because Helen Clark had changed her plans. He says this is another case of Helen Clark showing her arrogance when it comes to transport.
01/09/2005 NewstalkZB
The Prime Minister says she has accepted an Air New Zealand pilot's apology, for comments that she did not support the national carrier.
The pilot has been stood down after telling passengers Helen Clark was holding up a plane because she was trying to get a charter flight to Invercargill when her Air New Zealand aircraft was delayed by fog in Wellington.
He quipped: 'so much for supporting the national carrier.'
Miss Clark says she was told of the announcement by colleague Trevor Mallard when she got back on the plane. She says she spoke to the cabin staff, and they relayed her disappointment to the pilot who then invited her to the cockpit. Miss Clark says she did not hold up the plane because several people got on after she had finally boarded.
Air New Zealand says the broadside fired at the Prime Minister by the pilot was in jest but inappropriate nonetheless. Chief pilot David Morgan says the pilot realised his error and apologised unreservedly but he has been taken off duty for several days. Captain Morgan says the man's communication style needs some honing, so he will have some training.
Speaking in Invercargill, Prime Minister Helen Clark says she was rather stunned by the comments made by the pilot.
Meanwhile National leader Don Brash says he feels sorry for the pilot .
Dr Brash was also on the plane and says the pilot obviously got a flea in his ear from the PM. He believes the pilot was expressing the view of many on the plane who had been waiting a long time because Helen Clark had changed her plans. He says this is another case of Helen Clark showing her arrogance when it comes to transport.