An Air New Zealand (ANZ) Boeing 747 will fly out of Auckland International Airport on Saturday (28 October) bound for London, via Hong Kong, for the first time ever. ANZ already flies in the other direction to the UK capital on a daily basis, via Los Angeles, and has done for many years.
The new service is also daily but takes a total of 26 hrs 40 minutes against just 24 hours. The fare is the same either way, arguably better value via Hong Kong (more time to drink on the aircraft).
One passenger that will not be on board either flight is the famous flying "mad monk" and eccentric globetrotter, genial Brother Michael Bartlett OGS, who wanted to actually circumnavigate the world on one airline's scheduled service. Not just one way, but in both directions, surely a Guinness world record.
ANZ came up with a fare of ”735 ($1,386) for each journey and then suggested that it could help even more. But it had to be approved by the self appointed keeper of these testaments.
"No", said Guinness, "It's a medical risk," indicating that they had some health and safety or politically correct objection. "Rubbish," retorted Michael, and a quick visit to the doctor gave a physical all
clear.
"We are sorry Mr Bartlett but we cannot offer you the fare now", said Air New Zealand's London office.
"But if I come back later?"
"That's OK".
Michael Bartlett will now pay his own fare and attempt to set what will be a new world record, recognised or not, starting Monday 5 November. In the meantime he is appealing to Air New Zealand”s head office and the prime minister of that country for some flexibility and help. He's happy to bring two bottles of New Zealand wine home with him, one for each direction.