Latest news with #NewZealandAerospaceSummit
Otago Daily Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Canterbury to get more test flights
Photo: Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre Part of Canterbury's airspace is now permanently allocated for test flights in a move the minister for space says will position the region as a global leader in aerospace innovation. Judith Collins said the test flight allocation would give Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre on Lake Ellesmere and other aviation companies the freedom to safely trial next-generation technologies. "The Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) permanent special use airspace designation for Tāwhaki anchors Canterbury's growing reputation as a national hub for space and advanced aviation innovation." From August 7, six 'Restricted and Danger Areas' will be permanently designated but only activated when needed, to minimise disruptions to other fliers. Judith Collins. Photo: RNZ Collins said the space sector in particular had grown rapidly. "Canterbury is an ideal launchpad for the space and advanced aviation sectors due to its combination of location, test-bed facilities, research and innovation capability, manufacturing capability and workforce," Collins said. "The space sector has grown 53% in the five years to 2023-24 to contribute more than $2.47 billion to the economy. "The advanced aviation sector contributed $480 million in the same period, with some overlaps with the space sector." Restricted Areas will allow Tāwhaki to manage the entry, exit and operations of aircraft in the area while Danger Areas let airspace users know there is a potential danger to flying in the area. Tāwhaki executive director John Holt said the allocation was a win for the sector and "regulatory infrastructure" was just as vital as the physical infrastructure. "This Special Use Airspace is a significant piece of infrastructure that will unlock huge opportunities for New Zealand. It's forward-looking, pragmatic and, most importantly, keeps safety absolutely paramount," Holt said. Collins said the government saw space as having huge potential. "The upcoming New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch in October will draw an international audience, providing an opportunity to showcase Canterbury's unique attributes to advanced aviation innovators." Public consultation on the proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules close on July 27.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Granted Permanent Test Flight Airspace
Minister for Space Canterbury's Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre has been allocated permanent test flight airspace, giving advanced aviation companies the freedom to safely trial next-generation technologies, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. 'The Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) permanent special use airspace designation for Tāwhaki anchors Canterbury's growing reputation as a national hub for space and advanced aviation innovation.' Ms Collins announced the Tāwhaki designation at the launch of the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy, which aims to position Canterbury as a global leader in aerospace innovation by 2035. 'Canterbury is an ideal launchpad for the space and advanced aviation sectors due to its combination of location, test-bed facilities, research and innovation capability, manufacturing capability and workforce. 'We know New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors are growing rapidly. The space sector has grown 53 percent in the five years to 2023-24 to contribute more than $2.47 billion to the economy. The advanced aviation sector contributed $480 million in the same period, with some overlaps with the space sector. 'The Government sees space as having huge potential, and that's why we're working towards delivering a world-class regulatory environment for advanced aviation by the end of this year, as signalled less than a year ago. 'The CAA is currently consulting on proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules to make it easier to test and deploy new aerospace technologies. 'A new rule will, in most cases, allow advanced aviation companies to freely develop their product without needing to seek further approvals.' 'The upcoming New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch in October will draw an international audience, providing an opportunity to showcase Canterbury's unique attributes to advanced aviation innovators. 'Overall, this is an exciting opportunity to grow advanced aviation in New Zealand,' Ms Collins said. Tāwhaki will manage the permanent Special Use Airspace by activating areas when required for operators, while minimising the effect on other airspace users. Public consultation about the proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules closes on 27 July.
