New Zealand National Airways Corporation
1963 Royal Visit
NAC - New Zealand National Airways Corporation Viscount c/n 282 ZK-BRE, named 'City of Auckland', was prepared for the
visit to New Zealand of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and was used on
Friday 15th and Saturday 16th February 1963.
Chief hostess Natalie Coe (left) with hostess Dianna Brabant in the Royal interior of Viscount ZK-BRE
The aircraft was fitted out with prefabricated furnishings, plastic panels for the walls in off-white, the ceiling
covered in a doeskin type of fabric, and carpeting of a rich gold colour. After the visit the fittings were stored for
future use.
First Officer Jim Pavitt told the Vickers Viscount Network that his main job on the flights was to look after
the Royal Standard, with strict orders not to drop it overboard!
History and photos of Viscount c/n 282 ZK-BRE
Crew operating instructions for Viscounts c/n 282 ZK-BRE and c/n 428 ZK-BWO
New Zealand National Airways Corporation 1963 Royal Visit operating instructions - page 1
New Zealand National Airways Corporation 1963 Royal Visit operating instructions - page 2
New Zealand National Airways Corporation 1963 Royal Visit general information
The back-up Viscount
A second NAC - New Zealand National Airways Corporation Viscount c/n 428 ZK-BWO, named 'City of Dunedin', was operated
during the Royal visit as the number 2 aircraft.
Viscount c/n 428 ZK-BWO slid down an embankment at Rongotai, Wellington, New Zealand
On Sunday 17 February 1963 the day after it had been the Royal visit back up aircraft, ZK-BWO slid down an embankment at
Rongotai, Wellington, New Zealand damaging No.3 and 4 propellers.
History and photos of Viscount c/n 428 ZK-BWO