A historic Lockheed Electra airliner has been set to return to Canterbury next month, offering aviation enthusiasts a rare chance to see one of the world’s most iconic aircraft up close.

Owner Rob Mackley will bring his restored Lockheed Electra ZK AFD Kuaka to West Melton Airfield on Saturday 14 March for a free public display and talk.

The aircraft has recently completed a 25 year, multi million dollar restoration and holds strong links to Canterbury. Electras pioneered the first airline services from Harewood Municipal Aerodrome, now Christchurch International Airport, from April 1940 and were also used on early Auckland to Wellington routes and flights to provincial centres.

When introduced in the late 1930s, the Electra represented a major leap forward for commercial aviation in New Zealand and quickly became a backbone of domestic air travel.

The aircraft is widely admired for its 1930s Art Deco design and gained global recognition after aviator Amelia Earhart flew an Electra on her ill fated round the world attempt before disappearing over the Pacific Ocean.

Mackley said bringing the aircraft back to Canterbury was a meaningful milestone following the extensive restoration work and an opportunity to share its history with the public.

Weather permitting, the Electra is expected to land at West Melton Airfield about 10am, where Mackley will give a public talk. A number of vintage and classic cars are also expected to attend in tribute to the aircraft’s era.

Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand President Rev Dr Richard Waugh said the visit would be a special occasion for aviation fans and the wider community.

“The Lockheed Electra was revolutionary in New Zealand when introduced just before World War II, and was the aircraft which maintained the only main trunk air services throughout the war. It has to be one of the most attractive classic aircraft. There are only two examples flying in the world today, so we are very fortunate indeed in New Zealand to have Rob Mackley’s superb aircraft, and returning to Canterbury for this very special visit,” Waugh said.