A Maine coon cat named Mittens clocked up some serious air miles this month after being left on an Air New Zealand flight and accidentally flown to Australia and back. Mittens’ owner, Margo Neas, described the events as “both distressing and unacceptable” after paying $1948 to have her feline flown to Australia.

Mittens, 8, was only supposed to take a one-way flight from Christchurch to Melbourne. She ended up being airborne for over 10 hours.

A baggage handler didn't spot Mittens' cage when it was blocked by a wheelchair on arrival in Melbourne Mittens the cat has clocked up lots of extra air miles after mistakenly flying between New Zealand and Australia three times in 24 hours.

Air New Zealand apologised to the family for the distress caused and assured that it would reimburse the entire cost of Mittens’ travel.

The changes will make it unlikely for people to travel and return from each city in a day. Air New Zealand says the changes are down to a smaller aircraft taking over the route due to market demands,

A Maine coon cat named Mittens became an accidental jetsetter this month when her cage was overlooked in a plane cargo hold and she made three trips in 24 hours between New Zealand and Australia.

Air New Zealand’s latest addition, an ATR 72-600 registered as ZK-MZG, made its first scheduled flight from Christchurch to Invercargill today. It was the 30th aircraft of its type in the airline’s fleet and is the first equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engines,

Air New Zealand has welcomed its 30th ATR aircraft, an ATR 72-600, into its regional operation. The aircraft has the registration ZK-MZG.

Air New Zealand has welcomed its 30th ATR aircraft, an ATR 72-600, into its regional operation. The plane entered service on January 16 and will operate its first scheduled flight from Christchurch to Invercargill.

Air New Zealand's first ATR 72-600 with Pratt & Whitney's new PW127XT engine has entered commercial operations.