Source: Radio New Zealand
There was just over 25.3 days worth of jet fuel in the country. (File photo) 123RF
The aviation sector is urgently calling for a specific crisis plan around fuel for flying.
The latest gauge of the country’s fuel supplies shows just over 25.3 days worth of jet fuel in the country, up from 20.1 days at the count before.
But including jet fuel that’s on its way, there were overall fewer days of fuel than before, with 50.4 days now compared to 53.4 days earlier.
It’s still about normal for jet fuel.
But Aviation Industry Association chief executive Simon Wallace told Checkpoint supply was crucial for the likes of emergency services and agriculture.
“I mean, the association that I lead represents much of the commercial aviation sector in New Zealand which is agricultural aviators, regional airlines, helicopter contractors, emergency services and having supply is really important, particularly for the likes of those emergency services,” he said.
“And also agriculture, this is the autumn time when we put the fertiliser down on crops, this is about food production and animal welfare as well.”
Wallace said he wanted aviation prioritised in the government’s plans.
“….As an industry body we are taking calls from our members daily,” he said.
“And they are very concerned about supply but also the price, and gas has gone up 100%, it’s gone up to $5 a litre from $2.50 where it was at the end of February and jet fuel has gone up from $1.60 to $2.80 so there is real concern about price.”
The government’s four step response plan already mentions aviation, but Wallace said more was needed.
“We absolutely have to see and have to have assurances from the government that emergency services – search and rescue, firefighting – that they are going to be a top priority if we get to the point at phase three or phase four where there may well be rationing,” he said.
“And the same applies to agriculture, which is at a really critical juncture in the season.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
