The formal opening of the New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF) P-8A Poseidon Hanger and Mission Building marks over five years of Nova Systems involvement in the P8A Project Team.
“Nova Systems has been proud to play an essential role in the staged capability release, navigating aircraft certification, airworthiness and Capability release processes as the first aircraft to be evaluated against the NZDF’s new airworthiness regulatory framework,” Nova Systems New Zealand Director Aerospace and Capability Integration Lead, Peter Johnson, said.
A ceremony hosted by New Zealand’s Defence Minister, Judith Collins, has marked the official opening for the No. 5 Squadron of their new Hangar and Mission Building giving the P8A a permanent home.
"Congratulations to the RNZAF and the NZDF on yet another milestone achieved on the P8-A," Johnson stated.
After supporting the introduction into service for all four P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft on New Zealand shores, Nova Systems' team was on-hand to mark the occasion for the NZDF.
The Nova team has been embedded into the Manataū Kaupapa Waonga: NZ Defence’s Integrated Project Team, supporting the Test and Evaluation program working alongside the operating squadron within the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), working with the Defence Aviation Authority and other NZDF units on Design Acceptance, Logistics and Continuing Airworthiness and Capability Integration.
The opening of the building has showcased trans-Tasman cooperation, as RNZAF personnel trained in Australia to bring the P8-A capability online in New Zealand.