Aotearoa has reinforced its place in the global aerospace industry with the opening of the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre and new sealed runway at Kaitorete. New infrastructure coupled with technical support will super charge Aotearoa fast-growing aerospace sector and help meet international demand. Domestic and international companies are already testing and trialling leadi...
Air New Zealand announced ALIA as airline's first purchase of a next generation aircraft in Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme. Designed by BETA Technologies, the battery-powered all-electric aircraft is expected to join Air New Zealand' fleet in 2026. Air New Zealand is purchasing the conventional take-off and landing version of the ALIA....
A partnership of aviation leaders has successfully completed a first-of-its-kind trial, including a series of test flights aimed at evaluating the operational integration of uncrewed aircraft flying beyond visual line of sight into controlled airspace. Successful completion of these trial test flights in New Zealand demonstrates that safe, uncrewed flight operations are possible, today, in co...
Tecnam and New Zealand Airline Academy Limited announced a firm order for 10 Tecnam aircraft, consisting of eight single engine P2008 JC Night VFR, one single engine P-Mentor IFR trainer with RNAV capability and ballistic safety parachute, plus one multi-engine P2006T Premium edition aircraft. The first of these, the Tecnam P2006T aircraft, is flying direct from the factory in Capua, Italy to the...
New Zealand’ largest airport and one of the country’ most important infrastructure assets, Auckland Airport, joins Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board to support the electrification of air travel. Auckland Airport is currently undergoing the most significant upgrade in its history, including the installation of aircraft charging facilities (ground power units...
A new report called ‘Launching green hydrogen powered aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand’ demonstrates how the consortium members could work together to remove up to 900,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year by 2050 through the use of hydrogen-fuelled aircraft flying New Zealand domestic routes.The Report has just been released by the New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium –...
Air bp has expanded its global network with five new locations in New Zealand which include: Thames Aerodrome (TMZ), and Albany Helipad in the North Island and Motueka Aerodrome (MZP), Oamaru Airport (OAM) and Nelson Airport (NSN) in the South Island. Air bp customers can now refuel at each of the five locations, four of which offer easy-to-use self-serve machines. These...
Merlin opens of its center for operations in Kerikeri, New Zealand. With this facility, Merlin is now equipped with a dedicated test environment to support further technological development and certification activities of its New Zealand-based Cessna Caravans that underpin the capability, safety, and effectiveness of its autonomous flight technology. Merlin has also partnered with Freightways...
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand have concluded their review of Merlin first stage of involvement and have approved the Plan for Software Aspects of Certification. This milestone significantly reduces risk and puts the Merlin Pilot on a viable path to validation and certification. In the CAA system this is the first civil certification of software; the CAA’s four step certif...
Emirates’ flagship A380 made a landmark touchdown at Christchurch Airport, marking the resumption of its daily service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney after more than three years. The special service was greeted by a crowd of spectators at the Christchurch Airport boundary, who watched as the iconic aircraft taxied through a ceremonial water canon salute, before parking in view of...
New Zealand Advanced Flight took delivery of two Bell 429 helicopters with the new Designer Series interior. With these deliveries, Advanced Flight will manage and operate three VIP configured Bell 429s in its fleet. The new Designer Series interior for the Bell 429, which was launched in March 2022, features interior upgrades for all cabin materials, combining material quality...
Hydrogen Consortium vision is to support the country to pioneer the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft. Partners are international aerospace leader Airbus, global green energy company Fortescue Future Industries, leading world airline Air New Zealand, next generation energy company Hiringa Energy, liquid hydrogen solution pioneers&nbs...