NZAero at Singapore Airshow, NZDIA and Warbirds Over Wanaka

NZAero at Industry Events: Singapore Airshow, NZDIA Uncrewed Systems Day and Warbirds Over Wanaka 

At NZAero, staying connected to the aviation and aerospace industry is critical — not just for visibility, but for understanding how the market is evolving. 

Over the past few months, our team has participated in several key industry events, from defence-focused discussions in New Zealand to major international aerospace exhibitions. Each event provided a different perspective — from defence priorities in New Zealand to the realities of competing in the global aerospace market. 

 

Engaging with Defence at NZDIA Uncrewed Systems Showcase 

NZAero had the privilege of attending the NZDIA Uncrewed Systems Day — an invite-only event bringing together defence, industry, and technology partners to discuss the future of uncrewed and autonomous systems. 

What stood out was the direction of conversation. 

There was a clear focus on building local capability, strengthening supply chain resilience, and reducing reliance on fragmented global supply chains. Rather than purely technology-driven discussions, much of the conversation centred on how capability can be developed, supported, and sustained locally. 

Partnerships also featured strongly — particularly in how organisations collaborate to deliver practical, deployable capability. 

For NZAero, this reinforces where we sit within the ecosystem. 

While known as an aircraft manufacturer, our role extends beyond complete aircraft. Operating from our Hamilton facility, we support aerospace programmes across different stages — from component manufacturing through to structural assembly and full system integration. 

This positions us to contribute not only at platform level, but also as a manufacturing partner supporting wider defence and uncrewed systems capability. 

Market Perspective from Singapore Airshow 

In collaboration with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, NZAero attended the Singapore Airshow — one of the region’s leading aerospace events and an important platform for engagement across Asia-Pacific. 

Our team was kindly hosted by NZTE alongside a select group of New Zealand businesses, showcasing Kiwi capability on an international stage and strengthening connections across the region. 

For NZAero, the event reinforced the importance of South East Asia as a key market. With growing aviation, defence, and special mission requirements across the region, maintaining visibility and relationships remains important. 

The show also provided an opportunity to continue ties with Thailand, which had a strong presence at the event. We were pleased to meet with our regional representative, Top Flying, who supports engagement with the Thai defence sector. 

For NZAero, being present at events like Singapore Airshow is about more than immediate opportunities. It is about staying connected to key markets, strengthening partnerships, and understanding where future demand may emerge. 

 

 

 Presence at Warbirds Over Wanaka 

Warbirds Over Wanaka remains one of New Zealand’s most recognised aviation events, bringing together aircraft operators, enthusiasts, and industry professionals. 

Despite weather challenges and fuel supply constraints, the strong turnout demonstrated the resilience and passion of the aviation community. Events like Warbirds over Wanaka provide an opportunity to: 

• Connect with operators and pilots  

• Maintain visibility within the New Zealand aviation sector  

• Reinforce relationships across the industry  

 

Strengthening Capability with Industry Experience 

Earlier this year, NZAero welcomed Tony to the team. 

With over 15 years of experience in the helicopter sector, Tony brings expertise across: 

• Aircraft sales  

• Logistics and operations  

• Aviation marketing  

His background adds a practical, operator-focused perspective to how we engage with the market. 

 

 

Aviation: More Than a Profession 

Aviation is not a conventional industry. 

It’s built on people who show up because they care — not just about the outcome, but about the aircraft themselves. 

A few weeks ago, our fully loaded C182 flew the NZAero crew from NZME-NPL for a day dedicated to one of our greatest labours of love: the Catalina restoration project. 

Leading the way was Director and senior pilot Neil Young — swapping the cockpit for overalls whenever there’s work to be done. His hands-on approach keeps the team inspired and the restoration moving forward. 

Check out our crew in action! 

 

About NZAero 

NZAero is New Zealand’s only aircraft manufacturer, based in Hamilton. The company specialises in the design, manufacture, and support of rugged aircraft platforms, including the PAC 750XL and 750XL-II SuperPac, serving operators globally.