The sculpture Momentum, marking significant events in Air New Zealand’s history, was unveiled at Air New Zealand headquarters in Auckland on 23 October 2009. Family members of the victims of the Erebus disaster were invited to the ceremony, at which Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe apologised to those the airline had let down in the aftermath of the tragedy. He commented:
I can't turn the clock back, but as I look forward, I would like to start this next step in our journey – by saying sorry. Sorry to all those who suffered the loss of a loved one or were affected by the Erebus tragedy and who did not receive the support and compassion they should have from Air New Zealand.
The sculpture by Christchurch artist Phil Price represents a focal point for reflection on all the significant events in the national airline’s history, from the induction of new aircraft types and opening of new routes to tragedies like the air accidents on Mt Erebus and near Perpignan. At the heart of the sculpture is the theme of momentum, capturing the allure of flight. The sculpture, the movement of which is powered by the wind, is an interaction between physical and environmental elements and a reminder of the fragile nature of flight and the dynamics of the forces at play.
Scene from the unveiling ceremony
Part of: Finding the cause
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