Three of Air New Zealand's ATR fleet will return to service today after the discovery of hairline cracks on one plane grounded the fleet yesterday, stranding 3000 customers.
The cracks around the cockpit windows were found during a routine inspection of the 68-seat aircraft in Christchurch, Air New Zealand said in a statement.
The remaining 10 aircraft in the ATR fleet, all operated by Mount Cook Airlines, were grounded for inspection.
One aircraft in Queenstown was back in service yesterday, with two more expected to be in operation today.
Mount Cook general manager Sarah Williamson said the airline expected to operate about two-thirds of its normal seat capacity today, with the three ATR aircraft supported by other aircraft in the Air New Zealand fleet.
Inspections on the remaining aircraft were continuing. Three require closer examination and five are well advanced in the inspection process.
More aircraft were expected to be back in service later today.
About 60 one-way services were cancelled yesterday, affecting about 3000 customers.
Ms Williamson said the airline regretted the cancellations and the inconvenience it caused.
"However the safety of our customers, our staff and our aircraft is paramount and non-negotiable for Mount Cook and Air New Zealand.''
Customers travelling with Mount Cook were advised to check flight arrivals and departures on Air New Zealand's website: www.airnewzealand.co.nz
