Air NZ, PM were not against Erebus flight - Pero

Mike Pero said he was deeply disappointed and hurt by Air NZ's reaction. File photo / Paul Estcourt

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, 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.

"Somewhere in the airline something has been misconstrued."

He had spoken with the company about his proposal in the last few days.

"It was a pleasant conversation and there was absolutely no suggestion that it was distasteful or disrespectful.

"In fact, I suggested they may like to consider having representation on the flight."

Mr Pero said he also texted Mr Key for his thoughts and to see if he would he be interested in being on the flight.

His response was: "Hi Mike. In principle that might work. Would be great if it did."

"From that response I thought it seemed logical to proceed," Mr Pero said.

But a spokeswoman for Mr Key said details of how the flight would work and what the charges might be were never discussed.

"The PM received a text message from Mike Pero asking if he would be available for a flight on a Qantas A380 to go to Antarctica on January 31," she said.

"The PM wasn't aware of his schedule on that day, so he responded that it might work. He added it would be great if it did.

"That was the full extent of any correspondence between the PM and Mike Pero."

Air NZ is taking a limited number of family members on a memorial flight to Antarctica this Saturday on board a United States Air Force C-17 cargo plane.

Victims' families were upset when the airline's plans were revealed, as only five representatives were able to be included, with names drawn from a ballot.

Mr Pero said his plans were not a PR stunt or intended for personal gain. He has offered to pay any nett proceeds to Air New Zealand's own charity, Koru Care.

"I'm not an airline and I don't ever want to be one.

"I'd prefer Air New Zealand take this role as I'm busy in other areas - reality is it's probably very difficult for the airline to be seen operating in the region again."

He said he was "totally bewildered" by the airline's response but was willing to work with them to resolve any issues.

Tickets will cost between $1400 and $8600, depending on seating preferences.

"The aircraft will not land but will spend a couple of hours in the region," he said.

- NZPA