Short Brothers Flying Boats Make a Splash at New Zealand Museum

Moreno Aguiari
Period advertising for TEAL's Solent service of "The Coral Route"

Period advertising for TEAL's Solent service of "The Coral Route"
Period advertising for TEAL’s Solent service of “The Coral Route”
The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), located in Western Springs, Auckland, New Zealand has recently gotten it’s massive Short S.45 Solent 4 ZK-AMO “Aranui” under cover in it’s new 32,000 square foot Aviation Display Hall, where it towers over the rest of the assembled collection. This flying boat was in regular commercial service with Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) until 1960, transporting 45 passengers in spacious luxury unheard of these days.

Luxurious accommodations on display within Aranui at MOTAT. (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Luxurious accommodations on display within Aranui at MOTAT.
(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
The Short Solent was the last flying boat to be developed by Short Brothers, plc in the late 1940s and represented the pinnacle of luxury flying boat airliners, providing the well-heeled the last word in luxurious air travel on a plane that boasted two decks and an onboard chef who cooked meals to order. ZK-AMO “Aranui” was the last operational Solent to fly the iconic ‘Coral Route’, serving Auckland New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Tahiti, outlasting its other TEAL flying boat fleet-mates who had been supplanted by land-based aircraft in 1954.

“Aranui” will continue to undergo restoration and conservation work, including a complete refit of its plush interior to the standards under which she served her passengers during her heyday. Another massive Short Brothers flying boat, a Royal New Zealand Air Force Sunderland V NZ4115 is under restoration outside at MOTAT and will be joining “Aranui” indoors out of the weather once restoration work on its wings has been completed.

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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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