Air, Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Thinking inside the box

[ May 1, 2013   //   Chris ]

The FPS New Zealand member of the group of independent forwarders has once again proven its aircraft transportation expertise with the movement of the world’s only operational De Havilland Mosquito bomber from New Zealand to the US.

The aircraft – one of 80 originally ordered by The Royal New Zealand Air Force for service in World War II – has been totally restored by Avspecs over eight years is moving to a new home at the Military Aviation Museum at Virginia Beach Airport.

While the Mosquito is flyable, the long haul from New Zealand under its own power was ruled out, so FPS was tasked with re-locating the seven tonne aircraft safely.

FPS initially explored chartering a giant Antonov An-124 freighter, but this would be prohibitive while transport as deck cargo by sea was too risky. FPS came up with a safe and cost-effective alternative solution: partially dismantling the aircraft, and shipping it in a custom-built, 60-foot long, 10′ 9” high ocean container with a protective metal bubble to accommodate the protruding wing assembly.

Tags: De Havilland Mosquito, FPS, New Zealand