The Green Party has criticised Air New Zealand following revelations it has been helping the Saudi Arabian military - despite the Middle Eastern nation's role in the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. 1 News reported that the national carrier's business unit, Gas Turbines, which specialises in servicing military marine engines and turbines, has been supporting the Saudi Navy. In a statement on Monday night, Air New Zealand said the business unit carried out work on Royal Saudi Navy vessels through a third party contract. The airline's move to cease all support of the Saudi military after the matter came to light was welcomed, she said. Grant Robertson, Air New Zealand's shareholding minister, was not aware the airline had been supporting the Saudi military until contacted about the story.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 08, 2021 06:22 UTC