Described by an Air New Zealand pilot as ''the go-kart of the skies'' - a powerful plane pilots loved to fly - the company's 737 fleet has flown its last commercial flight in this country.
One aircraft of that fleet, ZK NGI, was at Dunedin Airport yesterday for a farewell and open day.
ZK NGI has carried more than 2.5 million passengers at least 16,000,000km since 1999.
Kindergarten and school pupils and members of the public attended the open day, which allowed them to get close to the aircraft, and have a good look at the cockpit.
First officer and 737 fleet manager Gus Black said pilots and cabin crews had ''mixed feelings'' about the end of 47 years of 737 flights in New Zealand.
''We've had tens of thousands of staff operate on or work around the aeroplane.
''So there's some very fond memories.''
The 737 was ''such a wonderful plane to fly'', Mr Black said.
''It's very much a pilot's aeroplane.
''It's got a lot of power''It's an aircraft you can really connect to.
''It's uncomplicated when you want it to be, and it can be very advanced and do everything for you if you want - immensely flexible.''
He likened the aircraft to a classic car, in which a driver would ''feel every bump in the road, or the responsiveness of the steering wheel - exactly the same in a plane''.
The aircraft was also known for having plenty of power.
''You get used to having all the power you need and being able to get around the country pretty quickly.
''It's very much the go kart of the skies, the 737.''
The fleet was being sold to airlines overseas.
An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said the company was now using Airbus A320s, which carried more passengers and were more fuel efficient.
Streamlining the fleet also simplified engineering, maintenance and crew requirements.
Virgin Australia uses 737 800s from Brisbane to Dunedin.
