Salus Aviation: From Challenge Comes Growth

Local ethos

ANZ operators can appreciate that the group remains locally owned rather than controlled by offshore corporations. This nimble and adaptable mindset is what saw subsidiary Oceania Aviation grow from a small parts business in the ’90s to a major aviation service provider that it is today. “We’re very conscious of staying true to our customers and our local way of doing business,” says Edmonds. “Our solutions-based approach and turnkey offerings are an extremely important part of who we are, and an advantage when it comes to fostering international relationships. So much of the industry has been sold overseas, but we’re doing that in reverse – for example Salus’ acquisition of HPN in the US.”

US market gains

The addition of HPN has served to increase the group’s footprint within the lucrative US market, while benefiting operators by expanding the supply of Safran engines and Airbus components into this region. HPN is currently one of the largest providers of overhauled and used Airbus components and Safran engines globally. The highly specialised services that HPN o›ers to Airbus customers has a strong level of demand, particularly in the Australasian region. Salus sees a huge potential for growth within this business and is currently working on an integration plan, which will significantly benefit its current Oceania Aviation customers with parts availability and services offered.

Fleet management

An export initiative that underwrites and supports local operations, suppliers and growth is Salus Aviation’s ongoing partnership with Air Methods Corporation, a major US-based EMS provider which supports over 70,000 patients yearly. Providing extensive fleet management services for Air Methods often results in reconfiguration and refurbishment work being carried out in Oceania’s NZ helicopter hangar before being put on the market, adding to Australasia’s local aircraft supply.

Physical growth initiatives

Salus is currently scoping opportunities to revive its physical presence in the South Island of NZ, having withdrawn its maintenance bases during the initial onset of the pandemic. Edmonds says that having a larger Australian presence is also on the cards, but “how” will depend on what will best support the group’s growing Australian customer base. Oceania’s NZ-based Piston Engine and Propeller overhaul facilities are about to commence a major renovation and expansion to further its capabilities and meet growing demand. It plans to develop its Part 146 and 148 design and manufacturing capabilities further, much of which Edmonds says is “under wraps – for now”. We do know that these developments expect to significantly increase the group’s composites, role equipment capabilities and service offerings to Australasian operators in the near future, something that existing customers of Oceania’s Airborne Systems division will benefit from.

Innovation & digital MRO

In addition to the physical growth plans being rolled out across the group, new digital and innovation initiatives allow Salus and its subsidiaries to be ahead of the curve. Oceania Aviation recently launched a new website with a new Parts Search functionality that allows users to search their entire stock inventory and gain access to greater information on capabilities, products and services. This comes with a new addition to their Aircraft Sales offerings – with the business now listing several corporate jets for sale alongside helicopters and smaller fixed-wing craft. The jet sector represents a significant growth market for the group, and it’s already exploring new opportunities and potential MRO partnerships to further establish itself in this sector.

In the short term, a focus on digitising MRO logbooks and maintenance records is a priority. A cloud-based offering will arm both the operator and the maintenance provider with information on aircraft performance, specific maintenance requirements, and a powerful tool to forecast costs, revenue and future work. Alongside product developments, is the consideration of future MRO requirements for new engine and aircraft technologies such as the hydrogen engine, electric aircraft and commercial drones. But when asked about their involvement, the boss is keeping pretty mum: “We’re very much dedicated to these future technologies – we just can’t yet say how and who with. That would be revealing too much!”

Edmonds concludes: “The last couple of years haven’t been easy for operators or MROs in Australasia, but the future’s looking pretty bright for both us, and our valued customers!”