Was the proposed Erebus charter flight 'disrespectful'?

Air New Zealand gave Mike Pero no negative feedback about his plans to charter a flight to Antarctica for friends and family of Erebus victims and he even ran the idea past Prime Minister John Key, the businessman says.

The airline said yesterday Mr Pero's plan to charter a flight in January for people who wished to travel to Antarctica to pay their respects was "opportunistic" and timed to cash in on the 30th anniversary of the tragedy in which 257 passengers and crew died.

Mr Pero said he was "deeply disappointed and hurt" by Air NZ's comments.

Was the proposed Erebus charter flight 'disrespectful'?