About NZAero
New Zealand’s only commercial aircraft manufacturer.
Based at Hamilton International Airport, NZAero designs, builds and supports aircraft that perform where others can’t.
Who we are
From Hamilton International Airport on New Zealand’s North Island, NZAero designs, manufactures and supports the 750XL and SuperPac 750XL-II, the E-350 Expedition, Cresco, CT-4 Airtrainer and the Fletcher heritage fleet.
In March 2022 we received CAA NZ Part 148 manufacturing approval, making us the country’s only commercial aircraft manufacturer. Today more than 400 customers rely on us for aircraft, spares and engineering support.
CAA NZ approvals
- Part 146Design organisation
- Part 148Manufacturing organisation
- Part 19FSupply organisation
- aircraft built in Hamilton
- 700+
- Countries on six continents
- 55
- years of aerospace engineering experience
- 70+
- site at Hamilton Airport
- 4.9 ha
Tough, reliable and easy-to-maintain aircraft that perform where others can’t.
Optimised for purpose
Each aircraft is designed around the job it does. We don’t try to be everything to everyone.
For the life of the aircraft
We stand behind every aircraft we build for its entire service life.
Your success is ours
Our success depends on the success of the operators who fly our aircraft.
Since 1949
Over seventy years of aviation in Hamilton.
From topdressing pioneers to the world’s first production XSTOL: more than 700 aircraft have left the Hamilton factory, and they fly today in 55 countries on six continents.
1949
James Aviation is founded
James Aviation Ltd is formed, one of the roots of NZAero.
1954
Aero Engine Services
AESL is formed to overhaul engines and components for the Fletcher FU-24 programme.
1958
Air Parts (NZ)
FU-24 operators James Aviation, Thames Aerial Topdressing and Robertson’s Air Services form Air Parts at Hamilton Airport.
1965
Building the Fletcher
Air Parts secures manufacturing rights to the FU-24 and starts building aircraft in New Zealand.
1970s
CT-4 Airtrainer
AESL develops the CT-4 from the Victa Aircruiser and wins contracts with the Royal Australian and Royal Thai Air Forces.
1975
Peak production
50 aircraft in a single year: 36 CT-4 Airtrainers and 14 FU-24s.
1982
Pacific Aerospace
Pacific Aerospace Corporation is formed to continue aircraft manufacturing in Hamilton.
2000
XSTOL takes shape
Asked by US skydiving operators for a bigger Cresco, the team starts developing the P-750 XSTOL.
2004
FAA certification
On 10 March 2004 the FAA certifies the 750XL, about 52 months after the first drawings.
2021
NZAero
A New Zealand aviation couple acquires the business, which continues as NZSkydive Ltd, trading as NZAero.
2022
700 aircraft
The 700th aircraft leaves the Hamilton factory and CAA NZ grants Part 148 manufacturing approval. Hamilton-built aircraft fly in 55 countries.
2023
SuperPac 750XL-II
Type certificate amendment in August, first Certificate of Airworthiness in October, launch in November.
2026
The CT-4 returns
CT-4 Airtrainer production restarts after 14 years, alongside a new agreement with Thailand.
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