An Air New Zealand A320. Photo: 123RF
A $250 million expansion of the Christchurch Engine Centre, which maintains aircraft, has been announced.
The Christchurch Engine Centre is operated by Air New Zealand and American company Pratt & Whitney.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, chair of Air New Zealand Dame Therese Walsh and Pratt & Whitney president Shane Eddy all took part in a groundbreaking for the project in Christchurch on Friday.
Dame Therese said the expansion would allow the introduction of new GTF engine repair and maintenance, and allow work currently done overseas to now be done in New Zealand.
She said the expansion would allow the airline to service its V2500 engines powering A321ceo aircraft and PW1100G-JM GTF engines on A320/A321neo aircraft.
"The introduction of new GTF repair capability will be completed in 2026, and the Christchurch Engine Centre will maintain, repair or overhaul both the V2500 and PW1100G-JM engines for many years to come," said Dame Therese.
Eddy said the Christchurch Engine Centre had a proven track record of delivering exceptional performance and quality with a highly capable workforce.
"With the Asia-Pacific region projected to experience the highest aviation growth globally over the next 20 years, it is a strategic imperative for us to invest here and partner with Air New Zealand as we continue to expand the GTF MRO network in support of the growing fleet."
He said the expanded site would need 200 additional highly skilled staff members.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the project marked a significant investment in New Zealand's economy by Air New Zealand and Pratt & Whitney, and would help expand the country's aviation industrial capability.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
