Christchurch NAC Viscount Aircraft

When NAC (National Airways Corporation) modernized its fleet in 1954 it chose the British-made Vickers Viscount. The first pressurized turbo-prop aircraft to fly New Zealand skies, it flew above most turbulence and reduced flight times.Prominent from 1958 until 1975 were the Vickers Viscount 807s which were primarily used on its main trunk route. The original order for three Viscounts at a cost of NZ£1,500,000 was signed in Vickers House, London in December 1955 with the first example, ZK-BRD being delivered in January 1958. In the meantime, Wellington's airport required development from a grass strip catering for de Havilland Herons to take the Viscounts.