Christchurch Engine Centre gets $20 million investment

Media release
3 April 2013

Christchurch Engine Centre gets $20 million investment in new facilities

Air New Zealand and Pratt & Whitney will invest $20 million in new workshops and a logistics centre to support new generation aircraft at the jet engine overhaul facility at Christchurch Airport.

The V2500 engine shop, established in 2005, overhauls the engines fitted to Air New Zealand’s A320 fleet and other new generation aircraft. The facility expansion is expected to be complete by the end of 2014.

Air New Zealand Technical Operations General Manager Commercial and Business Development, Trevor Hughes, says the move is a milestone in the successful joint venture between the airline and Pratt & Whitney and builds on the Christchurch Engine Centre’s existing maintenance agreement for IAE V2500 engines.

“The V2500 is the engine powering new generation aircraft and will be the mainstay of aviation in our region for the next 20 years. This engine is fitted to Air New Zealand's own A320 Airbus aircraft so the new engine shop will provide major in-country support for our own airline and many other airlines around our region.

“We are proud of our relationship with Pratt & Whitney as a global partner and its ongoing support has been key to achieving this significant development. This investment will ensure the ongoing history of engine overhauls at the Christchurch Engine Centre which now employs more than 300 highly skilled staff,” says Mr Hughes.

Christchurch City Council and Christchurch International Airport have also supported this development.

Pratt & Whitney Services Vice-President Jerry Tarnacki says: “Pratt & Whitney is very excited to expand its V2500 engine overhaul footprint at our Christchurch Engine Centre. This expansion is a testament to the Christchurch Engine Centre's world-class capabilities and Pratt & Whitney's commitment to continuing to focus and expand upon its core maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities. We have a great relationship with Air New Zealand and we look forward to maintaining our presence in Christchurch and this region.”

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