By Adam Ray
A memorial service was held by Air New Zealand today to remember the 257 families who lost loved ones when flight 901 crashed into Mount Erebus, although many families chose not to attend.
A lot of families feel the aftermath of the crash only added to their grief, with Air New Zealand putting its own interests ahead of the victim's families.
For many families, today's apology was too little too late.
Bob Hotson's 21st birthday was just weeks before his dad Roy took the doomed flight to Antarctica.
Bob says he only realised the plane had crashed when he watched the news.
“There was nothing other than what was on the news, no calls from anybody, no-one ringing up saying we're from Air New Zealand,” he says.
Bruce Dahl's mother Marie died on Mount Erebus too and he says the only contact he has ever had with Air New Zealand has been through lawyers to negotiate compensation.
“I don't recall any direct approach from Air New Zealand myself,” he says.
Mr Hotson and Mr Dahl say the airline only wanted to protect itself and escape blame.
“I believe that Air New Zealand's credibility has been forever damaged by the clear attempt to avert blame,” says Mr Dahl.
Neither man wanted to be at today's unveiling and while they gave Rob Fyfe credit for saying sorry, for them it was not enough.
Mr Dahl says Mr Fyfe’s apology was misdirected.
“He's not apologising for Air New Zealand's behaviour immediately subsequent the accident or even during the inquiry, that’s the real issue,” he says.
Mr Hotson says the apology has also lost a lot of impact, given it has been 30 years since the crash.
“I think it is too late, it doesn't have the meaning it could have had in the year or so after the incident,” he says.
Mr Hotson and Mr Dahl say events after the Perpignan tragedy, when Air New Zealand was praised for the support it offered bereaved families made them realise how badly they had been treated.
“The biggest thing is remembering that there are people involved there are families that are left,” says Mr Hotson.
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