Wellington – The Chinese embassy in New Zealand says it is improper for the New Zealand government to make negative comments about the new MA-60 aircraft China gifted to Tonga.
New Zealand has suspended US$8 million in tourism aid to Tonga amid safety concerns with the MA-60, and has issued a travel advisory against New Zealanders using it.
A Chinese embassy spokesperson, Xing Yuchun, says Chinese and New Zealand civil aviation authorities have an agreement to recognise the safety certification system of each other’s aircrafts. So any comments made about the aircraft should have been communicated with China first.
Ms Xing says the comments have had a negative impact on China’s aviation reputation.
She says the MA-60 was gifted to Tonga as a friendly gesture, and because it needed a new aircraft.
Ms Xing says it is strictly designed, produced and verified by Chinese Civil Aviation standards and International Civil Aviation Authority safety standards.
She says any accidents involving MA-60s have been caused by improper operation.money grow then they should consider investing in the stock market.”
Meanwhile, the stock market is eyeing new listed companies but prefers to keep further details confidential and will disclose as and when it comes up.
“We are working on new companies to list as well and hopefully some listings will start coming and we’re hoping to get one new listing this year but nothing can be said right now.”
The arrival of the aircraft led to a New Zealand airline, Chathams Pacific, pulling out its domestic services in Tonga. It had operated a small fleet of aircraft there while it had a monopoly.
Locally owned Real Tongan has now taken over all domestic services in Tonga with the MA-60 heading its fleet.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister says he will remain withholding tourism funding to Tonga until the plane is internationally certified.
Murray McCully has warned tourists against taking the MA-60 aircraft, which started flying from Tongatapu to Tonga’s main tourism destination, Vava’u.
–Radio New Zealand.
The Real Tonga MA-60 aircraft in China before being delivered to Tonga. It is now operating between Tonga’s main islands.