ZK-DES was a Hawker Siddeley HS 748, also know as Avro 748. This plane was designed by the British manufacturer AVRO which was taken over by Hawker Siddeley.
The designe dates back to the 1950‘s and the first flight of the prototype took place in 1960.
The aircraft was planned to replace the DC 3. However, the F27 was already in development as a competitor. A military version was also developed. This got a tail loading ramp and a deflectable main landing gear.
ZK-DES was ordered by the New Zealand airline Mount Cook.
Mount Cook Airline is a regional airline named after New Zealand's highest mountain.
The beginnings of this airline date back to 1920. Followed by a liquidation and reopening. During World War II, operations were suspended and resumed in 1952.
Scheduled passenger and cargo flights started in 1960.
After the death of the founder's son Sir Henry Wigley, the takeover by Air New Zealand began. As of 1991, Mount Cook Airlines was finally fully owned by Air New Zealand. In the meantime, the brand name has been dropped and flights take place under the name Air New Zealand Link.
For us it was immediately clear that this historic aircraft from one of the oldest airlines in the world must live on as aircrafttag.
Thanks to AussieAirliners and M.Richardson for the picture.
