The Pilots elected to brake and discontinue the take-off. As a result of the heat generated by the brakes, valves in the aircraft's wheels automatically activated to deflate the main tires. The aircraft taxied to an adjacent taxiway where fire crews cooled the brakes.

There is no injury in 296 passengers and thirteen crew. Passengers were moved to hotels at Narita Airport on a same day, and Air New Zealand staff in Japan and Auckland are currently booking alternative flights for passengers accordingly.

The cause of the technical issue is currently being investigated by Air New Zealand's operational and engineering teams.

No changes in scheduled flight after February 1, due to this.

February 2nd, 2010    AM11:00
Air New Zealand