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Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical engineering is particularly strong owing to Marlborough’s long connection with aviation. Safe Air, the successful aeronautical engineering and aviation maintenance company which is a subsidiary of Air New Zealand and the fast developing classic fighter industry at Omaka Airfield are the cornerstones of the industry. The beginnings of Marlborough’s successful aeronautical engineering and avionics industry goes back to 1939 when a flying training school was established at Woodbourne, where thousands of aircrew and support personnel were trained for operational service. The excellent flying conditions, low air traffic densities, and central location soon marked the district as one of the best flying areas in New Zealand.
Marlborough is emerging as a major aviation centre and an active cluster development facilitation is underway. The RNZAF has a base at Woodbourne, together with Marlborough Airport and Safe Air Ltd. Marlborough airport is fully equipped with crash fire facilities, air traffic control and a well-maintained runway. There are two more airports at Koromiko and Omaka.
Safe Air is a highly successful export-oriented, aviation maintenance provider that has capitalised on established facilities and the local skilled staff, including those emerging from the RNZAF to establish a national and international reputation for excellence. The company has clients in over thirty countries and carries out a considerable amount of defence contract work.
The business has four main product lines: maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification (MRO & M) for airframes including helicopters, engines, propellers and avionic components. Safe Air has significant future opportunities in the provision of military and civil aircraft maintenance services in the South East Asia region. It is already the largest aircraft propeller maintenance and repair company in that region.
Safe Air’s work is complemented by a variety of specialist businesses ranging from parts manufacture to aircraft upholstering.
Building on the aviation engineering competencies a world class classic aircraft restoration industry is emerging at the Omaka Airfield just outside Blenheim. Already the collection of classic aircraft has topped 80 (2004) – attracted by the comprehensive range and quality of services available on site. The collection is considered the third most significant in the world and one significant US publication has identified the Classic Fighters Airshow as being in the top ten globally. This industry is expected to attract increasing attention with the first stage of the National Aviation Heritage Centre scheduled for completion by Easter 2005.
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