An era ended in New Zealand on Friday: the airline Air Chathams decommissioned its last Convair 580. The last commercial passenger flight with this type was operated. The machine will be on display at the Wānaka National Toy and Transport Museum.

In Auckland, company boss Craig Emeny and the entire team wrote farewell messages on the rear pressure bulkhead. Operating the last Convair flight was an emotional affair for the employees of the regional airline.

Emeny said, "This aircraft holds a very special place not only in my life and my business, but also in the Chatham Island community." After its last commercial use, the machine was transferred to Wānaka on Saturday. As already mentioned: In the future this will be on display in a museum.