A public spat is brewing between Air New Zealand and businessman Mike Pero, who plans to charter a flight to Antarctica for friends and family of Erebus victims.
Mr Pero said today he would charter a Boeing 747 in January for 307 people who wished to travel to Antarctica to pay their respects.
The Air New Zealand DC-10, Flight 901, crashed into Mount Erebus on November 28, 1979, killing all 257 passengers and crew.
Mr Pero was using the tragedy's 30th anniversary for commercial gain, Air NZ said in a statement today.
The airline is taking a limited number of family members on a memorial flight to Antarctica this Saturday.
Air NZ has labelled Mr Pero as "opportunistic" and taking advantage of families who had been affected by the tragedy.
The company said Mr Pero did not discuss his plans with chief executive Rob Fyfe or the team managing the Erebus anniversary trip.
Air NZ said Mr Pero released his media release 20 minutes after letting media know his plans.
"Mr Pero's timing, and lack of consultation leading up to this announcement, has led many people to question whether he is opportunistically using the media and public interest in this anniversary and the emotions of families affected by this tragedy to promote this commercial venture."
Mr Pero said he was "deeply disappointed and hurt" by Air NZ's comments.
"Somewhere in the airline something has been misconstrued."
He said he had spoken with the company about his proposal in the last few days.
"It was a pleasant conversation and there was absolutely no suggestion that it was distasteful or disrespectful. In fact I suggested they may like to consider having representation on the flight."
Mr Pero said careful consideration had been given to the trip.
"If I have offended anyone please accept this as my most sincere apologies -- I was just trying to help.
"So far as commercial gain goes, I'd happily make all nett proceeds payable back to Air New Zealand's own charity - Koru Care.
"PR stunt? Hardly -I don't need the publicity, I'm not an airline and I don't ever want to be one. I'd prefer Air New Zealand take this role as I'm busy in other areas -- reality is it's probably very difficult for the airline to be seen operating in the region again."
Mr Pero said he was "totally bewildered" as to why they would respond as they have.
"I'm sure there will be a logical explanation by Air New Zealand and I would happily work with them to get through this one."
Mr Pero said he was moved by the stories of those who had friends and relatives on board and he wanted to help people who still needed closure.
The trip would primarily be for family and friends of the Erebus disaster victims, he said.
Tickets will cost between $1400 and $8600, depending on seating preferences.
"The aircraft will not land but will spend a couple of hours in the region," he said.
NZPA