Neha Jain: http://newzealandaviationnews.blogspot.com/m 5

1. New Zealand aviation sector stands firm after earthquake
A post-earthquake message from the CEO of Aviation New Zealand:
The New Zealand aviation industry is deeply grateful for the generosity, sympathy and support they have received from around the world since the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011.
The earthquake was confined to Christchurch and Lyttelton, and many businesses there are already back up and running.
New Zealand remains open for business, and appreciates the continued support of our international and domestic partners – it shows the importance and strength of those personal and business relationships.
Christchurch’s aviation industry comprises aircraft maintenance repairs and overhauls, engine overhauls, aircraft fit-outs, component manufacture and refurbishment, pilot training, ground support equipment, fuel supplies, aviation services, and air transport operators (ranging from airlines to small helicopter operators).
Some aviation industry members in Christchurch suffered extensive or total loss to their homes and, in some cases, their factories.
However, Christchurch Airport opened again the day after the earthquake. After thorough checks of facilities, the Christchurch Engine Centre and major Air New Zealand maintenance base in Christchurch resumed operations. Other companies in the vicinity of the airport are operating normally.
The aviation industry is distributed throughout New Zealand and most of it was not affected by the earthquake.
In terms of practical support for Christchurch aviation businesses, overseas customers should remain in contact with them and continue doing business. The same ‘world-class’ products and services are still available from Canterbury companies.
If you wish to support the people of Christchurch with practical assistance, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key has launched the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in the city and the Canterbury region.
In the rest of New Zealand, life and business continue as usual. We are working together to rebuild Christchurch and showcase New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup later in 2011. The biggest sporting event of the year, will kick off as planned in Auckland on 9 September and all matches will be played in New Zealand.
The New Zealand aviation industry will have significant showcasing events throughout the Rugby World Cup. These include vintage aircraft displays in Blenheim, Gore, and Masterton; supply chain seminars in Auckland and a display/innovation event, FLAIR 2011 in Hamilton.

2. AVALON: ExecuJet Aviation expands presence in Australia and New Zealand

ExecuJet Aviation Group is expanding its fixed base operations and maintenance activities in Australia and New Zealand amid encouraging signs of growth in the local business aviation market.
The company has launched its first project in New Zealand, with construction starting on a new hangar at Wellington airport for FBO, aircraft storage and light maintenance.
Completion is due in time for the rugby world cup in the country in September, says Darren McGoldrick, managing director ExecuJet Australasia. ExecuJet will offer FBO services in conjunction with Capital Jet Services of Wellington, as well as maintenance, aircraft management and charter services. ExecuJet operates a Gulfstream G550 in New Zealand.
In addition, the company has started work on the expansion of its Melbourne Essendon maintenance premises, which will add a further 755m² (8,130ft²) for a FBO with integrated lounge area, offices, stores and maintenance workshops. The work is due for completion in August.
Plans to expand its FBO, charter and maintenance network to Perth in Western Australia were held back by the global financial crisis, concedes McGoldrick, but that option is being re-examined.

3. Consumer watchdog warns airlines over advertised prices

AVIATION: Airlines have been warned to expect strong action on advertising breaches after the consumer watchdog found eight carriers had failed to include all fees and taxes in air fares carried on websites.

Jetstar, Tiger, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines, American Airlines, AirAsia X, LAN and Air New Zealand improved their websites in response to concerns of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission.

The ACCC said a compliance review had found the airlines were in breach of legislation requiring companies that use a partial price in advertising to also prominently display a total price.

"All airlines carrying on a business in Australia must advertise airfares that include all applicable fees and taxes," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.

"The ACCC will not tolerate further non-compliance. These pricing requirements have been in place since May 25, 2009.

"Non-compliance is likely to attract strong enforcement action to stop similar conduct in the future."

4. Hawker Beechcraft Adds Hawker Pacific New Zealand as Global Authorized Service Center
– Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) today announced that it has appointed Hawker Pacific Ardmore in Auckland, New Zealand, to its worldwide network of authorized service centers to support the growing fleet of Beechcraft King Air turboprops and its Baron and Bonanza piston products in the region. The Ardmore facility is the first HBC authorized service facility in New Zealand and joins an existing Hawker Pacific network, which includes Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.
“Hawker Beechcraft enjoys solid market share in the region with our King Air and piston products,” said Christi Tannahill, HBC vice president, Global Customer Support. “We have had a long-time relationship with Hawker Pacific in the Asia-Pacific market and have great confidence in their ability to provide Beechcraft owners and operators in the region with their world-class service and support.”
Hawker Pacific’s product support activities include MRO, structural modification, support services, engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, special mission aircraft modifications, design engineering, avionics parts and service, plus the provision of spare parts, exchange rotables and equipment sales. The New Zealand site is one of 15 locations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East operated by Hawker Pacific, a leading aviation sales and support organization that traces its heritage back to its founding in Australia in 1927.
Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Hawker Beechcraft GCS is dedicated to improving the value of HBC aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of four functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers) and Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications).
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.

NEHA JAIN

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