Air New Zealand (NZ, Auckland International) says it has signed a conditional agreement with the Airbus Group Australia Pacific unit of Airbus Helicopters (ECF, Marseilles) for the sale of the New Zealand carrier's wholly-owned subsidiary, Safe Air. Safe Air is an aviation MRO, design, and manufacturing firm which caters to military and commercial customers, including the Royal New Zealand Air Force (KIW, Auckland Whenuapai). The company is specialized with Rolls Royce T56 and Pratt & Whitney engines, C-130 and P3 Orion airframes, propeller repair and overhaul, as well as helicopter expertise.
Effective July 1, 2015, Safe Air will become a fully integrated part of Airbus Group Australia Pacific, retaining its name, staff and operations in Blenheim, Ohakea, Auckland, and Melbourne.
“Safe Air’s reputation, skill set and outlook are all strong and closely align with Airbus Group. We’ve worked with Safe Air in the past and for us, bringing the company into Airbus strengthens our position and potential in New Zealand. We look forward to working with our new colleagues on a daily basis,” Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director Airbus Group Australia Pacific, said.
For its part, Airbus Group Australia Pacific represents Airbus Group in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific and is the region’s largest helicopter manufacturer. It employs more than 1,400 people across fifteen sites in Australia and New Zealand.
