Set up to compete with NZ Government owned National Airways of NZ (NAC, ).South Pacific Airlines of New Zealand (SPANZ) was founded in 1960 by Bob Anderson and Rex Daniell, who had formerly been pilots for the National Airways Corporation, the state airline of the time. Ansett Transport Industries had a 49% shareholding. SPANZ was established in direct competition with National Airways Corporation, although the airline's policy to link larger secondary towns. The New Zealand aviation industry at the time was highly regulated in favour of the state carrier, and SPANZ struggled financially. In 1966, the airline was forced to call in the receivers, making its last commercial flight on 28 February.
Set up to compete with NZ Government owned National Airways of NZ (NAC, ).South Pacific Airlines of New Zealand (SPANZ) was founded in 1960 by Bob Anderson and Rex Daniell, who had formerly been pilots for the National Airways Corporation, the state airline of the time. Ansett Transport Industries had a 49% shareholding. SPANZ was established in direct competition with National Airways Corporation, although the airline's policy to link larger secondary towns. The New Zealand aviation industry at the time was highly regulated in favour of the state carrier, and SPANZ struggled financially. In 1966, the airline was forced to call in the receivers, making its last commercial flight on 28 February.