Air NZ jumbo in smoke scare

Auckland airport had a full alert involving an Air New Zealand jumbo jet at this morning.

The alarm was raised after a member of the cabin crew reported smoke coming from an outer engine as the Boeing 747 prepared to take off for Melbourne.

"An emergency was declared. The aircraft was positioned so crash fire crews could...investigate," airline corporate communications manager David Jamieson said

"It was then determined that the aircraft should taxi back to the gate.

"It did so and upon investigation it was found the report of smoke was false."

He said the aircraft returned to the runway and took off for Melbourne about 9.30am.

- NZPA