5 Dec 2008

Air NZ holds minute's silence for Airbus victims

3:29 pm on 5 December 2008

Air New Zealand staff held a vigil on Friday for those killed in last week's plane crash off the coast of France.

A minute's silence was observed at 9am by airline staff worldwide.

Four Air New Zealand employees and a Civil Aviation Authority representative were killed when an Airbus A320 crashed into the Mediterranean near Perpignan on 27 November.

Two German pilots also died in the crash.

A short prayer was broadcast throughout the domestic terminal at Auckland Airport immediately following the minute's silence.

It was also observed at other terminals throughout New Zealand.

In France, more than 20 family and friends gathered on Canet Beach in a private ceremony to remember the victims.

It was held at 4.46pm local time - the exact moment of the crash.