Tasman Empire Airways Limited

Tasman Empire Airways Limited (1940–1965), better known as TEAL, is the former name of Air New Zealand Limited (1965–).

TEAL was formed by an ''Intergovernmental Agreement for Tasman Sea Air Services'' (also known as the ''Tasman Sea Agreement''), a treaty signed by the governments of United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand in London on 10 April 1940. TEAL was first registered in Wellington as a limited liability company on 26 April 1940. The company's purpose was originally to transport mail, passengers and cargo across the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, during World War II. The treaty was originally intended to end within three months after hostilities with Germany ended, however was extended in 1949, the agreement ended on 31 March 1954, with control and ownership passing into normal commercial arrangements.

The shares were originally held by the New Zealand Government (20%), Union Airways (19%), BOAC (38%) and Qantas (23%). After World War II shareholding passed to equal ownership by the governments of New Zealand and Australia. Four Short Sandringhams and later Short Solents were acquired, as well as an ex-Royal New Zealand Air Force Consolidated PBY Catalina for survey flights.

Routes and services

Tasman Service

Auckland–Sydney

The inaugural Tasman service between Auckland and Sydney on 30 April 1940 was flown by ''Aotearoa'', one of its two Short S.30 flying boats. There was a connection at Sydney with the Qantas/BOAC Empire Air Route or Empire Air Mail Scheme to England which meant that there was, for the first time, a regular through air service between New Zealand and England. That lasted less than six weeks as, when Italy entered World War II in June 1940, it was no longer possible to fly through the Mediterranean. The Horseshoe route provided a solution.

The first four months of operation saw a weekly return service between Auckland and Sydney. This was expanded to thrice fortnightly with connections to San Francisco using Pan Am flights from Auckland (Pan Am was not flying into Australia). The connection to San Francisco ended in December 1941 when Japan entered the war.

In the first year, the annual report revealed that 130 trans-Tasman flights had been completed carrying 1,461 passengers for a profit, prior to tax and dividends, of NZ£31,479. By 1944, the trans-Tasman frequency had increased to three weekly return flights.

Wellington–Sydney

From 1940–1950, TEAL operated a single Tasman service, between Auckland and Sydney, with Short flying boats. From 1950 to 1954, Wellington was also linked by flying boat to Sydney. The long intended Wellington–Sydney flying boat service commenced on 3 October 1950 with the departure of TEAL Short Solent IV, RMA ''Ararangi'', from Wellington. It carried between 40,000 and 50,000 letters, mostly first day covers, weighing 660 lbs and 86 lbs or second class mail.

Wellington resumed international service, at first only to Sydney, in 1960

Christchurch–Melbourne

On 20 December 1950, 39–41 passengers on a British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines Douglas DC-6 airliner chartered by TEAL, left the recently dedicated Christchurch Airport on a direct flight to Melbourne, and what would become a regular TEAL air service relieving South Island from international air-service isolation. The DC-6, RMA ''Resolution'', departed for Melbourne at 10:10 am, arriving 6 hours and 35 minutes later.

Christchurch–Sydney

From 1954, newly acquired Douglas DC-6 aircraft were introduced to a new Christchurch–Sydney service and the Auckland–Sydney service; TEAL now operating its own Christchurch–Melbourne and Auckland–Melbourne services.

Auckland–Brisbane

A service between Auckland and Brisbane followed in 1959

Christchurch–Brisbane

A service between Christchurch and Brisbane followed in 1959

Coral Route

The New Zealand National Airways Corporation had initiated Pacific Island flights flying Douglas DC-3 aircraft, from Auckland to Nadi (Fiji), Faleolo (Samoa), Aitutaki and Rarotonga (Cook Islands). These routes were later taken over by TEAL, which wanted to fly to Tahiti, but there was no airstrip at Papeete, so a flying boat was necessary. After completion of a survey flight by a TEAL-operated ex-RNZAF Catalina ZK-AMP in 1951, the Coral Route flight from Auckland to Papeete, Tahiti, via Laucala Bay at Suva, Fiji, Satapuala at Apia, Samoa, and Akaiamai at Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, was inaugurated by TEAL on 27 December 1951, using the Short Solent flying boats long used between Auckland and Sydney. In Samoa, the plane landed on the sea and a small motor boat operated by Fred Fairman would carry the passengers to shore. They would alight and go through customs in a small shed. The Faleolo airport was still a grass strip.

A TEAL staff competition gave the route the name the Coral Route. The winning entry came from Eric Mullane, head steward, who was inspired by the beauty of islands (coral) and of the song-filled (choral) welcome that greeted visitors to the islands. It became the only air route into Tahiti, with Americans and others from Northern Hemisphere flying by landplanes into Nadi in Fiji, making the short hop across to Suva to join the flying boat at Laucala Bay, for its fortnightly flight along the Coral Route, leaving on a Thursday morning for Samoa, alighting on the Satapuala lagoon about 2:00pm. Passengers were driven by cab through Samoan coastal villages to Apia, where they enjoyed respite and dinner at Aggie Grey's hotel until 2:00am when they were driven back out to Satapuala for a pre-dawn take-off to the Akaiami lagoon at Aitutaki where they went ashore for breakfast and an optional swim until mid-morning takeoff for Papeete, timed to ensure that arrival was after the end of the siesta period at 2:00pm. After launching ashore and completing Customs, passengers had to wait a further hour while their luggage was sprayed against horticultural pests, a time usually spent by the majority across the road from the Customshouse at Quinn's Bar. In all, a 30-hour leisurely introduction to life in the South Seas which made the Coral Route a legendary travel experience.

On 15 September 1960 the final Coral Route flight by the Solent ''Aranui'' returned to Auckland. It was one of the world's last long-range scheduled international flying boat services. Landplane flights were extended from Nadi, Fiji, to Pago Pago, American Samoa, and Papeete, Tahiti. In late 1964, the French cancelled TEAL's licence to Tahiti and the Coral Route service terminated at Pago Pago. Air New Zealand was permitted to return to Tahiti in 1967.

Hibiscus Service

In 1954, TEAL replaced its Mechanics Bay, Auckland to Suva, Fiji, flying boat service, with Douglas DC-6 landplanes from Whenuapai to Nadi. The Hibiscus Service provided first and tourist class travel, especially appealing to folk pursuing a Pacific island dream holiday.

Norfolk Island Service

The New Zealand National Airways Corporation ceased air mail, passenger and cargo services to Norfolk Island in early September 1955. TEAL resumed the regular air service from Auckland in November with four-engined Douglas DC-6 ''Skymaster'' aircraft. TEAL's service was initially weekly, then fortnightly.

Fleet

Aircraft

TEAL operated flying-boats and landplanes:

Short S.30 Empire Class flying-boat

The first services were flown by Short S.30 Empire Class flying boats. TEAL operated two of these between 1939 and 1947. They were given Maori spiritual names, ''Aotearoa'' (land of the long white cloud) for ZK-AMA, Serial S886, and ''Awarua'' (two rivers) for ZK-AMC, Serial S994. A third S.30 ordered by TEAL, Serial S885, was diverted to war duties in the North Atlantic and later destroyed.

Short S.25 Sandringham Mk IV Tasman Class flying-boat

In 1946, TEAL acquired four Short S.25 Sandringham IV 'Tasman Class' flying boats. They were a fully streamlined conversion passenger transport variation of the Short Sunderland. Consideration was given to landplane operations but the government delayed the decision to move to land as the UK government offered generous terms on purchasing new types in development such as the Avro Tudor and Handley Page Hermes. The Sandringhams were given generic names, ZK-AMB Serial ML761 ''Tasman'', -AMD Serial NJ255 ''Australia'', -AME Serial NJ179 ''New Zealand'', and -AMH JM715 ''Auckland''. However they were unsuited for the harsher trans Tasman crossings. They were grounded for six months in 1948 due to engine cooling issues and disposed of at the end of 1949 when a more suitable custom built version of the Short Solent became available.

Consolidated Boeing PB2B-1 Catalina

TEAL flew two Boeing-built Consolidated PB2B-1 Catalinas from 1947 until 1949. They were loaned from the RNZAF and used as training and survey aircraft. They were registered on the civil aviation list as ZK-AMI and -AMP ''Maroro'' (Flying Fish – TEAL's emblem), -AMI was never named.

Short S.45 Solent Mk IV flying-boat

The replacements for the S.25 were the Short S.45 Solent IV of which TEAL acquired four, ZK-AML ''Aotearoa II'', -AMM ''Ararangi'', -AMN ''Awatere'' and -AMO ''Aranui''. TEAL management were hoping to move to land based operations after the unsuccessful operation of the Sandringham. Original plans to operate Douglas DC-4 aircraft from Auckland's Whenuapai joint service airport alongside other overseas international operators. A Buy British policy and support for rebuilding the British aircraft industry forced the airline to continue operating flying boats including an offer to fly the mammoth Saunders-Roe Princess on a subsidized trial basis. This led to a further more exotic proposal to produce a six jet engine powered flying boat, the Saunders-Roe Duchess. This would've give jet speed to an already antiquated mode of air transport. A promise by the New Zealand Government was made that the Solent would be the last water based aircraft the airline would operate ended any thought of future flying boat development in New Zealand.
The Solents were delivered during 1949 with one setting a new trans-Tasman crossing record of 5 hours 37 minutes. The Solents continued flying until 1954 with the introduction of the Douglas DC-6 landplanes. However, Solent ''Aranui'' based in Fiji continued on the Coral Route until 1960 operating from Suva after TEAL introduced landplane services to Nadi.

Short S.45 Solent Mk III flying-boat

An extra Solent flying boat was purchased from BOAC in 1951 to ease pressure on growing passenger numbers and help with the new Wellington trans Tasman service operating from Evans Bay. ZK-AMQ ''Aparima'' remained in TEAL service until 1957, being used as a backup to the Coral Route regular -AMO ''Aranui'' based in Suva, Fiji.

Douglas DC-6

The Douglas DC-6 was flown by TEAL between 1954 and 1961. Three were transferred to TEAL after the break-up of British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines (BCPA). Re-registered ZK-BGA ''Aotearoa III'', -BGB ''Arawhata'', and -BGC ''Arahia''. They were original "short bodied" types fitted out with sleeper beds and long range tanks. The aircraft started replacing the flying boats service in May 1954. It meant the transfer of TEAL's Auckland International Airport operations from Mechanics Bay to the shared Whenuapai air force and civilian terminal, where it was to remain until 1965. In September 1956, Douglas ordered the re-skinning of all DC-6 wings. Work was completed on the fleet at Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong engineering facilities to allow a 2000 lb increase in payload. The landplane finally allowed TEAL to expand operations to Nadi, Fiji and from there directly to Tahiti. It also opened up landplane operations to Melbourne, helping move passengers during the 1956 Olympic Games and Brisbane. It also ended the leasing of a Trans Australian Airlines DC-4 operating out of Christchurch on behalf of the airline. Wellington's rebuilt Rongotai Airport handled its first DC-6 service just after it re-opened in 1959, ending trans-Tasman flying boat operations from nearby Evans Bay. Originally to be replaced by the Lockheed L-188 Electra in 1960, the DC-6 remained in service due to engineering issues for the Electra, until 1961. They were handed over to the Royal New Zealand Air Force to be used as troop transports, remaining in service until 1970.

Lockheed L-188C Electra

The last new type to be operated by TEAL was the Lockheed L.188 Electra. Five of this type were operated between 1959 and 1972 by which time TEAL had changed its name to Air New Zealand. The airline wanted to introduce jet aircraft in the form of the Comet 4 airliner but Australian shareholders insisted on the Lockheed L188 Electra, citing that Qantas, Trans Australian Airlines, Ansett ANA and Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific had ordered the type. This would lower operating costs as all the airlines would be able to share a common parts pool with the Electra.

The original three were named ''Aotearoa IV'' (ZK-TEA), ''Atarau'' (ZK-TEB), and ''Akaroa'' (ZK-TEC). In late September 1959, just prior to delivery a series of fatal accidents occurred in the US with the new aircraft. It was discovered that propeller vibration caused a weakening of the wing to engine mountings. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a reduced speed operation for the type until remedial repair works were completed in 1961. A fourth air frame was purchased from Qantas in 1965 to replace the lost air frame of ZK-TEC (see below), it was registered out of sequence as ZK-CLX but carried over the ''Akaroa'' name from the previous aircraft. By this time TEAL had changed its name to Air New Zealand. The fifth aircraft operated was leased from Qantas in 1970 for a year to operate a joint seat share service to Australia, Qantas titles appeared along the rear of the fuselage. This aircraft used the vacant TEAL allotted ZK-TED registration but remained unnamed. The remaining Electras were sold in 1972 to United States interests.

Douglas DC-8 Series 52

On completion of the New Zealand Government's purchase of TEAL's Australian shareholdings in 1961, airline management promptly announced the purchase of pure jet powered aircraft for 1965. This was to coincide with the completion of a new International airport for Auckland and runway lengthening at Christchurch airport. Aircraft of interest included the Boeing 707–100 short bodied version operated by Qantas, Convair 880, Douglas DC-8, and after some political lobbying by pro-British government interests, Vickers VC-10. An offer by BOAC to lease surplus De Havilland Comet 4s to begin interim jet services immediately was turned down as uneconomical. After intense scrutiny of all types on offer, TEAL management approached the New Zealand Government for funds to purchase an initial three Douglas DC-8 Series 52 longer ranged jet airliners. The request was approved and an order placed in 1962 for delivery in early 1965. The aircraft were duly completed when TEAL announced a change of airline name on 1 April 1965 to Air New Zealand. The first DC-8 was already painted minus titles in anticipation of this. The aircraft never flying in actual TEAL service. After the name change, however, TEAL titles appeared on the tail fin of the new airliners for two years.

Powerboats

TEAL operated powerboats in support of flying-boats:

British Power Boat Company 37.5' Empire Control Tender

Designed by Hubert Scott-Paine for the transport of passengers using marine aircraft, the control tender arrived at Auckland on the MV ''Empire Star'' in June 1939 and was based at Mechanics' Bay. It was taken over by the Air Department during World War II.

British Power Boat Company 23' Auxiliary Launch

Designed by Hubert Scott-Paine for general purpose, particularly the transport of maintenance crew, gear and equipment, and light towing, the auxiliary launch arrived at Auckland on the MV ''Empire Star'' in June 1939 and was based at Mechanics' Bay. It was taken over by the Air Department during World War II.

TEAL 40' Express Launch

In consequence of the Air Department's acquisition of the two flying-boat support launches, TEAL commissioned Colin Wild of Stanley Point, Auckland, to build a 40' express launch named ''Tasmanair'', primarily for the transportation of 25 staff and 2 crew between Mechanics' Bay and Hobsonville. It was launched on 24 July 1941.
In TEAL service between 1941 and 1960, it had been based at Auckland, Laucala Bay, Fiji and Satapuala, Samoa. Following the withdrawal of flying-boats from the Coral Route in 1960, Samoa based ''Tasmanair'' was purchased by the New Zealand Government, transported to Lyttelton, New Zealand, where it was slightly modified, and shipped on to the Chatham Islands to support the RNZAF Sunderland flying-boat service at Te Whanga Lagoon.

Fleet survivors

Short S.45 Solent Mk IV flying-boat, TEAL ZK-AMO, RMA ''Aranui'', is restored and on display at the Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland.

Short S.25 Sandringham Mk IV Tasman Class flying-boat, TEAL ZK-AMH, RMA ''Auckland'', formerly RAF serial JM715, which operated with TEAL from 1947 to 1950, is preserved and on display at Solent Sky aviation museum, Southampton, Hampshire, as Ansett Flying Boat Services VH-BRC ''Beachcomber'', retired in 1981.

Lockheed L-188C Electra, TEAL ZK-TEB ''Atarau'', is operational as a water bomber with Buffalo Airways, Canada

Douglas DC-8 Series 52, TEAL / Air New Zealand ZK-NZC, is derelict and stored at Manaus Airport, Brazil.

Service

On board dining was a notable feature of the trans-Tasman and later, the Coral Route. The food was cooked from scratch on board. Morning and afternoon teas were prepared on board as well as hot meals. A dumbwaiter was used to provide access to the two decks of the flying boats.

The military look of the earliest uniforms reflected the era—the aftermath of war. The male steward's uniforms were reassuring and gave the impression that flight crew could be expected to handle any situation. In 1946, women were appointed to the TEAL flying boat crew. Many had trained as nurses which was thought to be an ideal background for coping with any situation on board. In 1961, hostesses appeared in uniforms designed by Christian Dior and made locally by El Jay.

Accidents and incidents

Lockheed Electra L-188 crash

On 27 March 1965, TEAL's Lockheed Electra L-188 ZK-TEC ''Akaroa'', crashed during a training flight at Whenuapai. The airline had done the following manoeuvre many times before: the Electra, flying at precisely 140 knots, could be flown over the runway threshold, throttled back to idle to drop almost vertically and land on the runway. As this would never be done on a passenger flight; the reason for the procedure remains a mystery.

On board were a captain, a check captain, a flight engineer, a navigator; the airline's industrial personnel officer and an emergency procedures officer standing behind them.

As ''Akaroas speed dropped below 140 knots the aeroplane landed very heavily, collapsing the landing gear; ''Akaroa'' shed wings, engines, tailplane and tail as it skidded off the runway and across the grass towards the control tower. Somehow, the two standing officers stayed standing, the fire extinguishers were turned on and everyone was evacuated through the cockpit windows, with one man burning his hand on the escape rope. TEAL salvaged what they could from the wreck and the remains were quickly pushed into a gully behind the NAC hangars before the public saw them. The crash took place in the early hours of the morning. The training procedure was quickly deleted from TEAL's manuals. TEAL purchased from Qantas a replacement Electra, VH-ECC, after it changed its name to Air New Zealand on 1 April 1965. It took the registration, ZK-CLX. At the time of the accident, ZK-TEC had the Air New Zealand logotype painted on its fuselage in anticipation of the name change.

Ownership and change of name

In April 1961 the Australian government decided to concentrate its subsidises with Qantas that commenced operating its own trans Tasman services in October 1961, and sold its shareholding in TEAL to the New Zealand Government, giving it 100% ownership.

On 1 April 1965 Tasman Empire Airways Limited was renamed Air New Zealand Limited, with TEAL rebranded Air New Zealand, at the same time as the Douglas DC-8 entered service. TEAL's airline designator "TE" continued on with Air New Zealand until 1989. Thereafter, its international flights adopted the airline designator "NZ" formerly used by the New Zealand National Airways Corporation for its domestic flights.

Chairmen

*1940 Norris Stephen Falla
*1947 Leonard Monk Isitt
*1963 Sir Andrew McKee
*1965 Sir Geoffrey Roberts

See also

* History of Air New Zealand
* List of defunct airlines of New Zealand
* History of aviation in New Zealand

References

Further reading

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External links

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The Coral Route – New Zealand's first package holiday
Related material from Auckland War Memorial Museum

TEAL advertising posters in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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Defunct airlines of New Zealand
Airlines established in 1940
New Zealand companies established in 1940
Air New Zealand
Treaties of Australia
Treaties of New Zealand
Treaties of the United Kingdom
Defunct seaplane operators
Qantas