Air Malta jet joins Air NZ fleet this week

An Air Malta plane leased temporarily by Air New Zealand to replace its own aircraft grounded by engine failure in Brisbane last December starts flying this week.

Air NZ said today the leased Boeing 737-300 would continue to fly with Air Malta livery on services between Auckland and Christchurch.

The plane will be flown by Air Malta pilots but with Air NZ cabin crew. The lease term is from January 26 to April 10.

The grounded Boeing 767-200 remains in Brisbane awaiting the arrival of replacement parts and completion of repairs. It is not expected to return to service until April.

- NZPA