Air New Zealand invests $4 million in new Christchurch aircraft logistics centre
22-Oct-2009 Air New Zealand will build a new $4 million state-of-the-art aircraft parts distribution centre to support its Christchurch narrow body jet engineering base.
Air New Zealand's Christchurch narrow body operation is Oceania's leading maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for narrow body jet aircraft - Boeing 737 Classics, 737NGs and Airbus A320s. The base also overhauls Hercules C130s, Boeing 767s and fits custom interiors to privately-owned business jets.
The new distribution centre will use state-of-the-art radio frequency technology to track parts through a new 9m-high, purpose-built facility covering 1600 square metres. High density racking systems and carousels will offer high-speed logistical support for up to five heavy maintenance lines, the light maintenance team and line maintenance of in-service aircraft.
The centre will reduce transit times and improve accuracy for the distribution of $44 million worth aircraft parts handled in 214,000 stock movements a year (FY09 figures).
The new distribution centre, scheduled for completion in September 2010, will be built adjacent to the main narrow body hangar, replacing eight existing stores.
Air New Zealand's general manager commercial and business development Trevor Hughes says Air New Zealand is committed to developing the Christchurch base.
"The Christchurch narrow body aircraft maintenance operation is already an Australasian centre of excellence supporting both Air New Zealand's fleet, other regional airlines and military aircraft operators.
"This investment show's Air New Zealand's commitment to building on that expertise, continually improving its service to customers and remaining the industry leader," says Mr Hughes.
The latest investment follows installation of a $4.5 million aircraft docking system in the hangar three years ago. The docks fit around aircraft bodies providing safe and efficient access to aircraft fuselages, wings and tails. The custom-designed hydraulic docks were designed to adjust to fit 12 different aircraft types.
"The aviation industry is always demanding improved cost efficiency in its support operations and never more so than now," says Mr Hughes. "We are investing to deliver the gains they are looking for and to ensure we remain the supplier of choice."