"Our history with Safe Air spans more than four decades and it's important to us that we ensure its success in the future. Airbus Group is highly regarded in the aviation industry and, as a world-class military service provider, is closely aligned with the services Safe Air undertakes," Parton said.
"This is a fantastic outcome for Safe Air and its employees, with Airbus able to provide guidance, direction and the resources that will increase its capabilities and contribute to its growth. This in turn will have a positive impact on the local economy."
Jens Goennemann, managing director Airbus Group Australia Pacific, said Safe Air's work was closely aligned with his firm.
"We've worked with Safe Air in the past and for us, bringing the company into Airbus strengthens our position and potential in New Zealand. We look forward to working with our new colleagues on a daily basis," he said.
From July 1 Safe Air will become a fully integrated part of Airbus Group Australia Pacific, retaining its name and the 190 staff and operations in Blenheim, Ohakea, Auckland and Melbourne. Details of the deal are confidential.
"As the outgoing managing director, this is the last item to cross off my list; to strengthen the base in New Zealand upon which our business can grow," Goennemann said.
"And as a relatively newly-confirmed Australian citizen I am delighted to have been able to play a part in the formation of this new transtasman partnership."
When in 2007 Safe Air won a $110 million, six-year contract to work on RNZAF planes, about 350 people worked there. Staff numbers have been cut since.
Airbus is in line to bid to replace New Zealand's ageing Hercules fleet with its new heavy military transport aircraft, the A400M, when tenders are opened within the next few years.
Establishing itself in this country will strengthen its case to sell the plane, and other smaller aircraft, to the Air Force. The A400M programme suffered a setback when a plane crashed in Spain last month.
Air New Zealand shares rose 0.4 per cent to close at $2.50 yesterday.
Maintenance takeover
Safe Air
Recognised as a leader in aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), design and manufacturing.
It has capability with Rolls Royce T56 and Pratt & Whitney engines, C-130 and P3 Orion airframes, and helicopter expertise.
Airbus Group Australia Pacific
Wholly owned by Airbus Helicopters, Airbus Group Australia Pacific represents Airbus Group in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
It is the region's largest helicopter manufacturer, employing more than 1400 people across 15 sites in Australia and New Zealand.
With the largest market share in civilian and military helicopters, it supports more than 500 Airbus Helicopters.
