MOTAT is hosting a gala dinner and charity auction, ‘Dining in the Skies, to raise funds for the restoration of the world’s only remaining Solent Mark IV Flying Boat, ‘Aranui’.
This is an opportunity to be immersed in the glamorous era of the flying boat while enjoying a three course meal featuring dishes from the airline menus of the past, all the while surrounded by MOTAT’s fine aviation collection, including the ‘Aranui’ itself.
MOTAT’S Commercial Manager, Jeff Morris, explains that the Solent on display at MOTAT is one of New Zealand’s most iconic aircraft. “This majestic flying boat once graced the Pacific skies ferrying passengers along the Coral Route. It was operated by Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) and the route was labelled the most romantic in the world by those who flew it,” he says.
The first phase of the project, focussing on the interior of the aircraft, was made possible by a significant donation from Air New Zealand, who succeeded TEAL and celebrated their 75th anniversary earlier in the year. Now MOTAT is actively seeking funding to complete the restoration and begin work on the exterior. The aim is to return the Solent to the way it looked during the flying boat heydays of the 1950s.
Richard Foss, a California-based journalist, author, culinary historian and lecturer will be the guest speaker at the elegant black-tie event. He will be discussing his recently released book, ‘Food In The Air and Space: The Surprising History of Food and Drink in the Skies’.
Supporters can play a vital role in helping MOTAT restore the Solent MK IV Flying Boat to its former glory by purchasing Dining in the Skies tickets through the MOTAT website. Prices are $125 per person or $1125 for a table of 10. This event would also make an ideal year-end function for small businesses.
If anyone is unable to attend the gala event but would still like to contribute to this important project, the following Givealittle page has been set up to collect donations: