Market Intelligence
Aviation New Zealand Trade Opportunities

New Zealand Aviation

Summary

Currently New Zealand has:        .

  • One powered aircraft per 1113 people.
  • 4583 powered aircraft (Aug 2022).
  • 896 helicopters in New Zealand (Aug 2022) of which 564 are turbine.
  • One helicopter per 5692 people.

As new technologies develop and transition the aviation sector, the New Zealand Government is keen to position New Zealand as a test location option.  For example, in 2023 SkyDrop based in Reno, Nevada (previously called Flirtey) received approval from New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority to operate a drone food delivery.  Air New Zealand, New Zealand’s national carrier is currently working with partners to accelerate the development and introduction of zero emissions aircraft technology.  

Air New Zealand dominates equipment sales.  Air New Zealand expects by 2026 to add eight Boeing 787s and five Airbus A320/A321neos as well as a retrofit of the interiors of its 14 existing Boeing 787 aircraft.  

U.S. exports of aircraft/spacecraft make up more than half of New Zealand’s imports.  In 2022, New Zealand imported aviation equipment valued at US$872.44 million.  Source:  U.N. COMTRADE.  United States aviation products are recognized for their reliability, innovation, and robustness.  

Market Entry

  • Goods must comply under the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act.
  • Most imports can enter the market tariff-free. Information on tariff rates is available on the New Zealand Customs website.
  • All goods imported into New Zealand are liable for a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). 
  • There are no import licensing requirements.
  • New Zealand’s system of measurement is metric.
  • In May 2023, the approximate average currency exchange rate was NZ$1.00: US$63 U.S. cents.

For More Information

Please contact: Office.NewZealand@trade.gov