Air New Zealand signs significant new components contract

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Air New Zealand has signed a licensing agreement to overhaul and repair auxiliary power units (APUs) produced by Honeywell Aerospace at its Christchurch engineering and maintenance base.

The eight year deal will see Air New Zealand as the only certified Honeywell maintenance shop for the APU 131-9A model in Oceania and will see the airline maintain and repair APUs, which power aircraft while on the ground, for Air New Zealand and third party customers based around the Asia Pacific region.

The agreement will also create 45 new jobs in Christchurch, the majority of which are high skilled engineering jobs.

Air New Zealand Chief Operations Officer Bruce Parton says the agreement is significant for the airline’s engineering business.

“Honeywell Aerospace is a major player in the airline components industry, supplying APUs to around 75 percent of the world’s narrow body jet fleets. This agreement will allow us to continue to grow our component MRO business in Christchurch and remain competitive within the region,” says Mr Parton.

Honeywell Aerospace Vice President, Airlines, Asia Pacific, Brian Davis says, “We are delighted to sign this licensing agreement and excited to cultivate a strong relationship with Air New Zealand through sharing of best practices and technical skillsets that will bring Air New Zealand closer to its long term goals. Honeywell’s business strategy is highly dependent on tapping into local talent and resources to develop not only a unique understanding of customers’ operational requirements, but also the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to meet customers’ current and future needs.”

“The licensing agreement with Air New Zealand will allow us to help airlines in the region achieve time and cost savings with quicker turnaround by seeking support from the regional facility.”

Air New Zealand has also selected the Honeywell APU 131-9A for its new fleet of A320neo (new engine option) aircraft. The airline announced in June 2014 it was investing in new A320neo aircraft to refresh its international A320 narrow body fleet. The first aircraft is due for delivery in late 2017. The airline will also retrofit its existing A320 short haul fleet of 13 aircraft with Honeywell APUs.