Business View Oceania - Oct 2023

48 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 5, ISSUE 10 fleets present maintenance and operational challenges. Parts can be expensive, especially if they are one-offs. We face challenges in training and knowledge retention, in having the right equipment in the right place at the right time, and providing sufficient volumes of work to support purchases of specialist equipment (engineering and aircraft). As is well known in aviation: diversity adds cost. While the outlook may be challenging, the Aviation NZ Conference in Christchurch, from 6 to 8 August 2023, themed ‘Aviation, a resilient and flourishing industry’ attracted large numbers of participants, primarily from New Zealand but also from Australia and North America. The atmosphere was enthusiastic and encouraging. Under the resilient theme, companies were given some ideas they could use to be more informed, and their businesses better prepared for what tomorrow will bring. This was complemented by a wide range of technical sessions covering areas such as improving safety, appreciating the impacts of regional and district plans (as well as the impact of freshwater management and greenhouse gas issues), and improving knowledge and understanding of recent technology changes. Under the flourishing theme, conference attendees learned of several examples of technology developed in New Zealand (Pyper Vision, Eye in the Sky and Kea Aerospace) for the global market. This was complemented by sessions on how new technologies (UAVs) can work alongside helicopters. Over 1000 aircraft have been manufactured in New Zealand. New Zealand companies export a diverse range of products and services to all continents, including Antarctica. New Zealanders are found all around the globe, working in aviation; testimony to the training, skills and knowledge gained in the country. While the outlook may be challenging, commercial GA operators are facing the future with optimism. That spirit of innovation, so apparent in the early days of the aviation industry, remains strong in New Zealand today.