The untold story of NZ’s only aircraft manufacturer

In a 1970s hangar behind Hamilton Airport’s tarmac, a privately-owned company is making utility aircraft by hand to export globally.

“We sort of fly under the radar, if I can use that pun, NZAero chief executive Stephen Burrows told Markets with Madison.

It makes five types of aircraft almost entirely in-house, from hand-shaping metal parts to the final paint job.

“We manufacture everything ourselves. We only buy in things like engines, propellers, gauze and brakes and some avionics.”

NZAero specialises in making extreme short take-off and landing aircraft that can fly or land within 200 metres.

“We’re the only aircraft manufacturer that produces a type-certified aircraft with capability of taking off and landing in that sort of distance.”

They have historically been used for skydiving, humanitarian aid missions and medical evacuation scenarios, but new use cases are emerging, such as maintaining oil and gas pipelines.

NZAero was acquired by private investors in 2021 after entering liquidation when it was then called Pacific Aerospace.

Previous renditions of the company had New Zealand and Australian Government ownership.

“The prime reason for buying the assets was to ensure the manufacturing capability remained in NZ,” Burrows said.

“[It’s] a special thing. In fact, in the world there’s only 30 fixed-wing aircraft manufacturers in general aviation.

“Predominantly, they’re all in the US or Europe.”

The company had no revenue when it was acquired, but was now selling millions of dollars worth of aircraft, with orders from the Royal Thai Air Force and Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

See the scale of NZAero’s operation in today’s episode of Markets with Madison above.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this programme is of a general nature, and is not intended to be personalised financial advice. We encourage you to seek appropriate advice from a qualified professional to suit your individual circumstances.

Madison Reidy is the host and executive producer of the NZ Herald’s investment show Markets with Madison. She joined the Herald in 2022 after working in investment, and has covered business and economics for television and radio broadcasters.