50 years since NAC - last flight of the HS748 - first 777 to NZ

The National Airways Corporation (NAC) was formed in 1947 by the first Labour Government by nationalising a number of smaller private airlines and using transport aircraft of the RNZAF.  It was set up to be the statutory monopoly domestic airline, but also short-haul international services in the South Pacific until 1955.  The article from 1997 commemorates 50 years since it was set up, but of course it was merged with the, up till then, international only, Air New Zealand, in 1978. 

NAC reflected a philosophy of central planning of the expansion of domestic airline services across New Zealand, by a state-owned monopoly carrier, which was expected to operate at a modest profit, and accompanied development of airports across the country. It culminated in 1966 when Taupo and Oamaru were added to the network.  

The article paralleled launch of a book by NAC's last general manager, Doug Patterson, who passed away in 1993. It summarises the history of NAC.

26 May 1997 - Evening Post - 50 years since NAC formed

On 13 February 1996, the Dominion noted the last flight of Mount Cook Airline's Hawker Siddeley HS748 into Wellington, as it was replaced by the ATR72.  It also noted the first arrival of a Boeing 777-200ER (of Cathay Pacific) being flown for certification purposes. Boeing 777-200ER would become a frequent visitor to NZ in subsequent years, and Air NZ would acquire a fleet of them and operate them from 2005 to 2021.