
Airbus has agreed an MRO deal to support the New Zealand Defence Force’s P3 Orions, C130 Hercules and SH-2 Seasprites, based in Blenheim on the South Island.
More than 200 employees from the European planemaker work in the country, with the contract lasting until 2022.
Airbus Australia Pacific’s managing director, Andrew Mathewson, said, “Airbus and our predecessor organisations have been leaders in New Zealand’s aviation scene for more than 70 years.
“The ongoing trust placed in us by the New Zealand government is testament to the commitment and long-term view of our Kiwi teams in delivering for our customers, every day.
“New Zealand’s Defence Force is agile in their operations, and we are proud to work alongside them in their daily activities. As they look to transition their Air Force fleets in the years to come, Airbus will be there to provide support.”
Last year, Australian Aviation reported how Airbus Helicopters signed a charter agreement to collaborate with Australian defence and aerospace service company Nova Systems.
The deal will see the two businesses co-operate on equipment acquisition, support programs, personnel secondment and provision.