20 | Christchurch Engine Centre T T Kim Newth Huge investment a recognition of skills Once the building phase is finished in June 2026, commissioning of the new facilities and specialist equipment will follow, with the first GTF engine overhaul expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. “The team here do an excellent job in meeting timelines and delivering quality.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand’s announcement of a $249 million, 14,000sqm expansion of the Christchurch Engine Centre towards the end of last year has been a welcome boost for the city, cementing Christchurch Engine Centre’s reputation as a global leader in aircraft engine servicing. This significant expansion, which will enable the Engine Centre to service Pratt and Whitney’s GTF engine, as well as the V2500 engine, is now fast advancing on-site. “For many international businesses that are located here, the fact that Pratt & Whitney chose to invest here is pretty exciting for the city and the region,” says John O’Dea, chief property and infrastructure officer, Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL). “Since this announcement was made, there has been an enormous amount of work happening on-site – we’re very pleased with progress so far. Apollo Projects is the main design-and-build contractor, with local subcontractors working alongside them. To date, foundation works have been completed, the main structural forms are up and the roof work is now starting.” Once the building phase is finished in June 2026, commissioning of the new facilities and specialist equipment will follow, with the first GTF engine overhaul expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Originally founded in 1948, the Christchurch Engine Centre has built a proud track record over recent decades in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of V2500 engines for Air NZ and other trusted commercial airline partners around the world. It is a major employer in the city, with a team of 400 highly skilled staff. Soaring aviation growth in the Asia-Pacific region, and the rising take-up of GTF engines in aircraft underpinned Pratt & Whitney’s decision to invest here. The Engine Centre expansion will allow Air New Zealand to service both its V2500 and new-generation GTF engines, used in its growing fleet of Airbus aircraft, in Christchurch. Described as the most fuel-efficient and sustainable engine for single-aisle aircraft, the GTF engine uses less fuel and emits 20% less carbon compared to previous-generation aircraft. These engines also have a 75% smaller noise footprint. The multi-million-dollar investment is a real feather in the cap for the Christchurch Engine Centre, recognising its proven track record and highly skilled workforce. “The team here do an excellent job in meeting timelines and delivering quality,” says John. “Their focus on high-quality servicing, combined with turning around engines quickly and reliably, is critical, and their point of difference.” As well as delivering new, purpose-built repair and maintenance capabilities, the expansion includes a large new engine-test facility for GTF engines. “There is already an existing test cell for Airbus V2500 engines here on the campus, but this sophisticated new test facility will be more than twice the size and will be able to test engines up to 100% before they are sent out. It will be quite an imposing landmark, visible from around the airport.” An added benefit for the city is that this expansion is set to add 200 high-value jobs to the local economy. It is also poised to boost air traffic in and out of the city, particularly freight movements. John says planning for this exciting expansion started in pre-Covid days. “It’s really nice to finally see it now taking shape.” Meanwhile, the $40m freight apron expansion by Dakota Park – another cornerstone of the airport’s 2040 masterplan – is on track for completion later this year, with most of the heavy paving now laid and lighting and other services progressing well. Proud to Support Apollo Projects and Christchurch Engine Centre Expansion CEMENTING OUR PLACE IN CANTERBURY • Residential / commercial concrete projects • Excavations & Siteworks • Concrete pumping & placing • Decorative concrete, driveways & landscaping 03 359 4962 quotes@bcpltd.co.nz www.bcpltd.co.nz
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