This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Overview

U.S. aircraft represent more than 50 percent of New Zealand’s aircraft fleet (both fixed wing and helicopters). There are approximately 5,300 registered aircraft in New Zealand comprising approximately 500 models. The composition of the fleet means U.S. aircraft parts are required by overhaul and maintenance providers. New Zealand’s fleet make-up contributes to the United States as the leading source of aircraft and aircraft parts. According to U.S. Commerce Department analysts, New Zealand ranks as the 25th largest market for U.S. aircraft and aircraft parts.

Most of New Zealand’s 800 aviation and related companies are small and privately owned.  An exception is Air New Zealand with a majority shareholding held by the New Zealand Government.  Pacific Aerospace, based in Hamilton, New Zealand is the only commercial manufacturer of aircraft.

New Zealand has a few world-class aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul companies for both fixed wing and rotary providing commercial and defense services to local and international organizations.  These operators include Aeromotive, Air New Zealand, Airwork, Fieldair, Euro copter, Hamilton Aero Maintenance, Helicopters NZ, Hawker Pacific and Ocean Aviation. 

Aircraft are important to New Zealand’s economy particularly for the country’s tourism and trade sectors. New Zealand is geographically isolated from its trading partners, and so exporters of perishable products such as seafood and flowers rely on the aviation sector for shipping to international markets.  There is a strong history of agricultural aviation in New Zealand and approximately 99% of all travelers to New Zealand arrive by air.

US$

2016

2017

2018

2019 (Estimated)

Total Local Production
(Estimated)

135.00

155.00

120.00

120

Total Exports

133.8
 

153.3
 

111.6

112

Total Imports

1,711

1,567.6

1,728.1

1700

Imports from the US
 

1043.8
 

942.8
 

942.9

950

Total Market Size

1,712.2

1,567.6

1,736.5

1,708

Exchange Rates

1.44

1.41

1.45

1.44

Unit: USD Millions
Source:  Trade Policy Information System (TPIS), Common Data Platform

Leading Sub-Sectors

Air New Zealand is commited to a high level of maintenance/comfort/safety on all its aircraft creating a steady market for spares and accessories.  U.S. exports of cvilian aircraft and engines are a leading category in this sector.

Tourism is New Zealand’s largest export industry in terms of foreign exchange earnings.  It employs one in seven New Zealanders.   Increasing visitor numbers means an increase in aviation tourism activities spurring the sales of helicopters, gliders and balloons.

Opportunities

From 2020, Air New Zealand will begin to phase out its eight Boeing 777-200ER long-haul aircraft.  Boeing and Airbus aircraft are both being considered.  The future purchase provides opportunities for U.S. other contractors affiliated with these airline manufacturers. 

New Zealand big-ticket acquistion priorities for defense over the next decade are as part of the New Zealand Government’s Maritime Surveillance Aircraft capability. (Value US$1.46 billion.)    The Future Air Mobility Capability project involves the replacement of the Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130Hs. 

Web Resources

Air New Zealand:
Aviation New Zealand 
Civil Aviation Authority /Aircraft Statistics:
Government Electronic Tenders:
Ministry of Defence:
New Zealand Defence Force:

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.