A three-day event will showcase New Zealand's capability in aviation design. Photo / Supplied
A three-day event will showcase New Zealand's capability in aviation design. Photo / Supplied
A Waikato aviation industry group has generated interest that could be worth up to $10 million of export orders at a US air show as it gears up for more international business during the Rugby World Cup.
The Aviation Industry Cluster says eight New Zealand firms, including those making carbon-fibrehelicopters, ear muffs, engines and amphibious planes attracted potential orders at the Oshkosh AirVenture Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Cluster general manager Shaun Mitchell said Oshkosh was a good curtain raiser to an aviation event in New Zealand in October.
A three-day event, entitled "Flair," to showcase this country's capability in aviation design, manufacturing and pilot training will be held at the Te Kowhai airfield north of Hamilton. "Things are shaping up well for it. People are starting to understand some of the exposure we're getting through the Rugby World Cup," he said.
About 1000 emails expressing an interest had been received from overseas rugby visitors. He said 3000 to 5000 people were expected at the event starting on October 13.
The aviation industry had had a setback this month when Hamilton's Pacific Aerospace laid off 27 staff because of the tough export market, but Mitchell said Flair would help boost the sector. "As far as the industry's concerned we'd be mad not to put everything into this and give it a good crack." Flair is being modelled on the Oshkosh show and will combine exhibitions with aircraft demonstrations and new product launches.
The Martin Jetpack - which has already received international attention - will be on display.
