Just in …
Now that the Lowe family toy jet needs an airstrip, Andy Lowe has reluctantly decided to back a runway extension at Napier International Airport. “We can land the sucker on the runway now, as is,” says Lowe, “but without an extension we’ll be running through a heap of brake pads.”
Sources say that his first choice was a 5500 meter strip on Ocean Beach, with a refurbished Surf Club serving as the new VIP Lounge. But it was becoming apparent that even with all Andy’s muscle, this option just wasn’t going to fly.
In return for abandoning a plan change that would have permitted the Ocean Beach landing strip, Andy accepted a consolation prize brokered by Mayors Yule and Arnott. The soon-to-be-built Napier runway extension will be named the Andy Lowe Wish I Were Landing On Ocean Beach Memorial Runway.
In addition, BayBuzz is informed that Lowe has been promised that his jet will be the first ceremonial landing when the new Napier strip is completed. This is a coveted privilege, and Andy is rumored to be smiling like a Chesire cat at having beat out fellow coast mogul Julian Robertson for the honor.
Rumor has it that Andy will use the new family jet and jetstrip to ferry in charrette consultants from around the world on future development projects. Apparently charrette consultants are a picky lot and only fly premium class.
Mayors Yule and Arnott refused to confirm the deal to BayBuzz. However, Robertson commented: “No more golf for Andy at Cape Kidnapper’s. Let him build his own bloody course on Ocean Beach!”
And Hastings mayoral candidate and airport advocate Simon Nixon exclaimed: “This is the biggest news in Southern Hemisphere aviation history since the disappearance of Amelia Earhart! Even if I go down in flames in the mayor’s race, I can die a happy man knowing that my candidacy has helped in its own way to encourage soaring growth in the region. Charrettes are a booming business and I can foresee huge demand for Andy’s jet.”
Tom
P.S. Don’t forget to take the BayBuzz Voter Poll … just click here to find the poll.