[asia-apec 596] NZ: Jumbo jets face Apec parking problems

[Gatt Watchdog]

Jumbo jets face Apec parking problems - Sunday Star-Times, New
Zealand, 23 August 1998

by Ruth Berry

Jumbo jets bringing the world's leaders to Apec next year could be
forced to park in neighbouring countries because New Zealand's
airports aren't big enough.

Airports in Sydney and Nandi have been placed on standby in case
extra parking space is needed for the country's biggest
international event.

Apec Taskforce spokesman Peter Parussini said at least 30 military
and private civilian aircraft were expected to arrive in Auckland
for the leaders' meeting next September.

Parking space had been set aside at Auckland and Christchurch
airports and at Ohakea air force base.

They are the only airports with runways long enough to cope, but
it is unlikely they will have enough space to house all the
aircraft.  Smaller private and chartered planes will be parked at
other airports around the country.

Many delegations are expected to arrive in Boeing 747s or other
similar sized planes, said Mr Parussini.

United States President Bill Clinton is expected to bring eight
aircraft to New Zealand.

He usually flies in one of four specially modified Boeing 747s,
crewed by a squadron of the United States Air force.

They have especially hi-tech communications equipment on board,
enabling the president to carry out his duties wherever he is in
the world.

The name Air Force One is given to the craft he is using at the
time and a back-up 747 normally follows.

At least a couple of 707s are likely to accompany the group, and
the president's arrival will be preceded by specialist military
transporters - the CF Galaxy or the C141 Starlifter - carrying the
special agents, support staff and motor vehicle fleet.

Soviet President Boris Yeltsin often travels in an Illuyshin,
similar to a Boeing 747, which is probably equipped similarly to
President Clinton's.  He, too, will probably bring a backup
aircraft.

The Chinese and Japanese presidents are likely to charter Boeing
747s from their national airlines.

Private and other chartered planes are likely to be used by other
nations and business people attending the meeting.

Accommodation headaches aren't restricted to aircraft, however.

Countries attending have been asked to be "very conscious of
delegation numbers", said Mr Parussini.  "They have been very
responsive to that".

The leaders' meeting will be attended by about 4000 delegates and
3000 media.  In total, 11,000 visitors, bringing $64 million to
the country, are expected.

President Clinton is planning to bring the largest group, about
1200 people, including the White House press corps.  The Russian
and Japanese delegations will bring 400-500 each and the Chinese
several hundred.

Auckland's central business district is expected to be booked out
for the summit.

Still the subject of "very delicate negotiations" is whether or
not foreign security staff will be able to bring weapons with
them.  It is expected some relaxation of the law will be allowed.