Ballance's Aviation arm to acquire Air Services

Media Release

2 November 2006

Ballance’s aviation arm to acquire Wairarapa-based Air Services

The aviation arm of Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Super Air has announced it is to acquire Wairarapa-based aircraft operation Air Services (1979) Ltd.

Air Services was established in 1979 with the merger by the late John Roseingrave of Air Services Wairarapa and Air Contracts Limited. The companies collectively have been an integral part of servicing farmers in the Wairarapa and the Southern Hawke’s Bay region for more than 30 years.

Super Air Commercial Manager Graeme Martin says the company will continue to trade as Air Services and the current manager, senior pilots and key staff will remain with the company.

“We will be looking to continue to build on the strong relationships that Air Services has developed with the local farming community,” says Graeme.

“This is an exciting move for Super Air as it expands its capacity to operate in other regions. Air Services is an excellent small business, in good shape and its addition to the Super Air business will further strengthen our ability to service farmers throughout New Zealand.”

Super Air is to purchase Air Services’ fleet of six aircraft, including three Walter 550s and three Fletcher 400s, and 12 trucks. Where its services overlap with Super Air, those operations will be merged with Super Air’s 13-aircraft fleet.

Tom Roseingrave, the son of Air Services’ founder John Roseingrave, says he is pleased Super Air will continue to build on the strong relationships built up by his father and he is confident that local farmers will continue to receive quality service in the Wairarapa region.

The acquisition was formalised on 1 November 2006.

ENDS

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