New Zealand delivers complex technology and innovation to global aviation leaders

Global aviation companies need suppliers that deliver highly complex products requiring significant engineering, manufacturing and supply chain management. New technology advances also help these companies maintain a competitive edge.

New Zealand has proven ability in technical innovation and complex product delivery. As a small technologically sophisticated country with excellent infrastructure, we are ideally suited to develop, test and manufacture specialist aviation equipment. Our companies are flexible, cost-competitive and use new thinking to create bold solutions.

Commercial success across many aviation sectors

New Zealand’s aviation engineering industry excels in a range of areas – from operations and maintenance to precision engineering, air traffic control, and aircraft manufacturing.

Our world-class aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities include a joint venture operation with United States-based engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. The state-of-the-art facility provides overhaul and maintenance for engines such as the IAE V2500, used to power the Airbus A320. Global customers include United States freight giant Federal Express.

Aviation manufacturers in New Zealand are renowned for their precision engineering and innovative solutions. A skilled workforce and flexible approach enable our manufacturers to deliver customised solutions that fit neatly into global production chains. Under one joint venture, for example, a New Zealand company ships partly-assembled aircraft to the Montreal manufacturing plant of French aircraft maker Mecachrome Inc.

New Zealand’s baggage-handling and security systems are used in 30 countries, including the United States, Britain and Canada. Excellent design and smooth installation are hallmarks of our airport infrastructure and ground support companies.

Our expertise in avionics is used by Matsushita Avionics Systems, a subsidiary of global giant Matsushita Electric Industrial. The avionics company uses a New Zealand-made noise cancellation system in its in-flight entertainment and communications systems.

Leading-edge research in platform technologies - such as engineering, new materials, microelectronics, and 3D visualisation – creates new opportunities for global companies to gain competitive advantage. This work contributes to potential future advances within the industry, such as planes made from composite materials, or more sophisticated diagnostic tools for engine parts.

Investment New Zealand, the investment promotion agency of the New Zealand Government, is ready to help you find ways that your business can benefit from using world-class aviation technology developed in New Zealand. Investment New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise have together played a leading role in developing international connections for the New Zealand avionics industry.

Investment New Zealand can identify and facilitate investment opportunities which meet your specific needs.

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