Dates

Event

Constructed as a Solent IV.
In New Zealand Solents were used by Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL). Five Solents were in operation between 1949-1960. On their scheduled routes they flew between Sydney, Fiji and Auckland. A flight to Sydney from Auckland would take 7.5 hours!!! as opposed to 3 hours today on a modern flight. In 1951 TEAL introduced its Coral Route service. This service became one of the most luxurious air passenger routes in the world.TEAL Solants could carry 45 passengers. The aircraft had two decks. An onboard chef cooked meals to order! Meals were eaten at tables with linen table cloths and a complete silver service, there was even a powder room! Now I can see why it was known as one of the most luxurious services in the world! ZK AMO flew its last flight on 14 September 1960. The flight was between Fiji and Tahiti. ZK AMO is now preserved at MOTAT in Auckland, it is the only MK 4 Short Solent left in the world.

To Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT 2), Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Auckland, Auckland, North Island.
View the Location Dossier

From 1947 to 14 September 1960

To Tasman Empire Airways Ltd (TEAL) with new c/r ZK-AMO.

1986

Photographer: Arthur Scarf
Notes: 1986 photo at MOTAT, Auckland

6 April 2010

Photographer: Phillip Capper
Notes: 2010 photo taken at Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT 2), Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Auckland, North Island, Auckland

14 March 2016

Photographer: Terry Fletcher
Notes: At the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland, NZ

14 March 2016

Photographer: Terry Fletcher
Notes: At the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland, NZ

23 October 2017

Photographer: Reinhard Jost
Notes: Restauration under way in the open at MOTAT 2, Auckland / New Zealand