Philip Smart | Adelaide
Airbus Group Pacific has acquired Safe Air, one of New Zealand’s best known maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.
From 1 July 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. Continued operation of the RNZAF Woodbourne facility, which handles 90 per cent of the RNZAF’s heavy maintenance, is included in the agreement.
“Airbus Group Australia Pacific and Safe Air are old friends and business partners, having previously worked successfully together on a number of programs,” said Dr Jens Goennemann Managing Director Airbus Group Australia Pacific. “Bringing Safe Air into the Airbus Group has long been a goal of ours as its capabilities, both technical and personnel, are complementary to those of Airbus Group and will enhance our position in the region.”
Safe Air has provided heavy maintenance for the majority of the Royal New Zealand Air Force fleet since 1998, including C-130 Hercules, P-3 Orion and UH-1 helicopters. Safe Air also overhauls propellers and gas turbine engines for the RNZAF. It is an Approved Maintenance Organisation of the Royal Australian Air Force and has previously completed heavy maintenance on RAAF C-130H aircraft as well as overhauling propellers and T56 gas turbine engines.