The Airbus relationship with New Zealand dates back to 2002, when Air New Zealand announced that it would acquire Airbus aircraft for the first time, with an agreement covering 15 A320s.
Commercial Aircraft
Since that time, the A320 Family has become the sole single aisle jet to be operated by the carrier, with more than 30 aircraft in its fleet, including the A321neo.
The airline operates its A320 Family fleet on domestic and regional services such as trans-Tasman flights to Australia and routes to Pacific island destinations such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
In 2021, Air New Zealand became a key partner of Airbus on its decarbonisation journey, with the announcement of a joint study into potential applicationHis for hydrogen-powered aircraft on its domestic routes network. The study confirmed that, with over 60% of flights in the country under 350 kilometres in length, New Zealand represents an ideal test environment to explore further the potential for new energy sources for the aviation sector.
Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters has also enjoyed strong success in the country. The New Zealand Defence Force operates eight NH90 helicopters successfully supporting disaster relief, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations.
Meanwhile in the civil and parapublic segments, there are nearly 300 Airbus helicopters in service in New Zealand from across the product line.
Defence
The Royal New Zealand Air Force operates the NH90 fleet to provide tactical air mobility operations for the Defence Force. This includes support to special operations, casualty evacuation, and movement of troops and equipment. The NH90 has been involved in rescues and support during natural disasters in both the North and South Islands. Airbus also supports the RNZAF with maintenance on their fixed wing aircraft fleets.
Industry
Airbus also operates an MRO business for rotary and fixed wing military aircraft in New Zealand. This covers aircraft operated by the New Zealand Defence Force, such as the C-130H and P-3K Orion. The business was acquired from Air New Zealand in 2015 and employs some 200 people, including skilled technicians and engineers, mainly at a site in Blenheim on the South Island.
News from the region
