Air NZ takes BP and Z Energy to court over rupture of Refining NZ's fuel pipeline

Air NZ is taking court action against BP and Z Energy over the cut in jet fuel supply after the rupture of Refining NZ's pipeline last year. The airline has started proceedings against its fuel suppliers in the High Court at Auckland after the disruption which it said cost it millions of dollars as flights were cancelled or diverted to other airports to refuel. While Air New Zealand was hardest hit, other airlines also had to take costly action to keep flying as fuel supplies were cut at the country's busiest airport. A Z Energy spokeswoman said her company had received a statement of claim from Air NZ for about $4.3m. Z would be defending the claim and, as the matter was before the court, she could no comment further. A BP spokeswoman had a similar response. Air NZ is not commenting on the preliminary proceedings which started Thursday. It could be next year before the case is heard.<br/>