In November 2020 Airwork (NZ) Limited secured a fleet of AS350B2 aircraft from a North American company looking to downsize their fleet. Airwork’s purchasing capability, coupled with its MRO capabilities, allowed for a bulk purchase of these eight aircraft benefiting the owner by providing a quick, and hassle-free transition to Airwork. The Airwork team is ideally placed to then add value to the new operators of these aircraft by providing unique in-house program and capabilities.

Today six of the helicopters are operational for new owners, in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and one is in the process of being refurbished prior to delivery to its new owner in Australia. The last helicopter has been disassembled for parts which will be used to provide rental and exchange options to our MRO customers. This purchase brings the total helicopters purchased by Airwork to 16 since August 2020 and the quick turnaround is what enables Airwork to offer cash purchase prices rather than the “sell on your behalf option” and transfers risk associated with individually selling the helicopters from the customer to Airwork.

Over the last 10 years Airwork has worked with many large and small operators with the disposal of aircraft surplus to their requirements. One of the proven options provided by the Airwork team is the ability to work with an operator and contract to purchase selected aircraft identified for retirement and then transition those helicopters over an agreed period of time, as and when the operator is ready to move the aircraft on from their fleet. This bulk purchase model has allowed the operator to keep flying and gave them time and some funding to find replacement aircraft with confidence knowing that the current fleet were already agreed to be sold to Airwork.

This press release was prepared and distributed by Airwork (NZ) Limited.