A ministerial trade mission, led by Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee, left at the weekend for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.The mission will take to China some of New Zealand's leading companies in the aviation sector and will visit B
A ministerial trade mission, led by Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee, left at the weekend for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.
The mission will take to China some of New Zealand's leading companies in the aviation sector and will visit Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai from June 7-11.
Mr Brownlee said the primary objective of the mission was to develop long-term relationships with key Chinese agencies and counterpart companies operating in the aviation sector in China.
"China is already the world's second largest air travel market, and their wider aviation industry is growing steadily," he said.
"China is investing considerably in airport infrastructure, with 97 new airports planned by 2020 to meet future requirements. Passenger numbers and cargo volumes across China are growing, and it is estimated the country will need an additional 2500 aircraft by 2015, all of which will need trained pilots, signalling that demand for flight schools will continue to increase.
"This all equates to significant opportunities across the aviation sector for New Zealand businesses."
Mr Brownlee said that as well as representing their own business interests, the strength of the delegation was in demonstrating to Chinese counterparts the value proposition offered more broadly by New Zealand business, and how competitive our services are.
Travelling with Mr Brownlee are chief executives and senior representatives of Air New Zealand, ATRAX Group, Aviation New Zealand, Christchurch Engine Centre, CTC Aviation Training, Gallagher Group, Glidepath, Peet Aviation and UFL.
