Latest news with #AliAdams
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Launches Ambitious Aerospace Strategy
The Strategy builds on Canterburys unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. The Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy was launched today at the Wigram Airforce Museum, marking a milestone in the region's ambition to be a globally recognised centre of aerospace innovation. Developed by the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group – a coalition of leaders from the aerospace industry, tertiary institutions, and public agencies – the Strategy outlines a bold vision for Canterbury to become a global aerospace leader by 2035. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and collaboration, it sets a clear path to transform the sector into a $1 billion contributor to the regional economy. 'This Strategy is a uniting document that reflects the extraordinary potential of our region,' says Ali Adams, CEO of ChristchurchNZ and Chair of the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group. 'It showcases how Canterbury can lead the way in solving global challenges through aerospace – from climate monitoring to sustainable propulsion – while creating high-value jobs and driving innovation that benefits our people and our planet.' The Strategy builds on Canterbury's unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms – from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace and a member of the Leadership Group, says the sector has huge momentum. 'We're standing on the launchpad of something extraordinary. With this Strategy, we are saying to the world: Canterbury is open for aerospace innovation. This is a region where bold ideas take flight – supported by a community that's collaborative, future-focused, and committed to making a global impact.' A vision for 2035 The Strategy sets out ambitious targets for the next decade, including: • Growing the sector to more than $1 billion in economic impact regionally • Supporting more than 1,500 FTE jobs in aerospace across Canterbury • Achieving net-zero emissions for 50% of aerospace companies • Reaching 20% Māori and Pacific Peoples workforce representation • Positioning Canterbury as a hub for world-leading R&D and global investment 'By 2035, aerospace will be a cornerstone of Canterbury's prosperity,' says Adams. 'But this isn't just about growth – it's about building a future that's inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ: ChristchurchNZ is the city's sustainable economic development and city profile agency. Our purpose is to stimulate sustainable economic growth for a more prosperous Christchurch. Find out more at
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Launches Ambitious Aerospace Strategy
The Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy was launched today at the Wigram Airforce Museum, marking a milestone in the region's ambition to be a globally recognised centre of aerospace innovation. Developed by the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group – a coalition of leaders from the aerospace industry, tertiary institutions, and public agencies – the Strategy outlines a bold vision for Canterbury to become a global aerospace leader by 2035. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and collaboration, it sets a clear path to transform the sector into a $1 billion contributor to the regional economy. 'This Strategy is a uniting document that reflects the extraordinary potential of our region,' says Ali Adams, CEO of ChristchurchNZ and Chair of the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group. 'It showcases how Canterbury can lead the way in solving global challenges through aerospace – from climate monitoring to sustainable propulsion – while creating high-value jobs and driving innovation that benefits our people and our planet.' The Strategy builds on Canterbury's unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms – from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace and a member of the Leadership Group, says the sector has huge momentum. 'We're standing on the launchpad of something extraordinary. With this Strategy, we are saying to the world: Canterbury is open for aerospace innovation. This is a region where bold ideas take flight – supported by a community that's collaborative, future-focused, and committed to making a global impact.' A vision for 2035 The Strategy sets out ambitious targets for the next decade, including: • Growing the sector to more than $1 billion in economic impact regionally • Supporting more than 1,500 FTE jobs in aerospace across Canterbury • Achieving net-zero emissions for 50% of aerospace companies • Reaching 20% Māori and Pacific Peoples workforce representation • Positioning Canterbury as a hub for world-leading R&D and global investment 'By 2035, aerospace will be a cornerstone of Canterbury's prosperity,' says Adams. 'But this isn't just about growth – it's about building a future that's inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ:
Otago Daily Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
More China-Chch flights this summer
Photo: Creative Commons China Southern Airlines is expanding its passenger service over summer when it returns to Christchurch Airport. One of the world's major passenger carriers, headquartered in Guangzhou, will start the summer season in November with a 26% boost in capacity and a longer operating window, including the Chinese New Year. The Guangzhou-Christchurch route will go from five flights per week to a daily service from December 18 until March 3. More than 60,000 seats across business, premium economy and economy cabins will be available, as the airline celebrates a decade since it first touched down in Christchurch operating a single charter flight in 2015. Since then, the airline has flown more than half a million passengers to the South Island. The airline's return is expected to provide a faster route for local exporters flying out high-value produce such as cherries, salmon, and other fresh goods into the Chinese market and onto Asia and Europe. Christchurch Airport's GM aeronautical development manager Gordon Bevan said the service would increase capacity for passengers and freight. 'The belly of the aircraft delivers huge value for South Island businesses getting their premium goods to global markets,' he said in a statement. As well as the appeal of flying New Zealand passengers on connecting flights to other destinations, the South Island is home to more than 20,000 Chinese residents, mostly living in the Christchurch area. ChristchurchNZ chief executive Ali Adams said China Southern's service was valued by the city, especially during Chinese New Year. ''For so many in our Chinese community it's an important bridge home. It's a chance to be with loved ones, honour cherished traditions, and feel close to family, even across great distances. It also deepens the cultural and economic bonds between Christchurch and China in a truly meaningful way.' China is New Zealand's third-largest tourism market, with nearly 170,000 holidaymakers visiting last year.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
China Southern Celebrates 10 Years Of Connecting The South Island And China With More Flights, Cargo Opportunity
China Southern Airlines will return to Christchurch Airport for the summer season this November, and it's coming back bigger than ever, with a 26% boost in capacity and a longer operating window that includes the Chinese New Year. The popular Guangzhou–Christchurch service resumes 1 November 2025, initially with five flights per week before ramping up to daily service from 18 December through to 3 March 2026, perfectly timed for peak summer and Lunar New Year celebrations. More than 60,000 seats across business, premium economy and economy cabins will be available, giving South Islanders greater access to China and beyond. This milestone year for China Southern marks a decade since it first touched down in Christchurch operating a single charter flight to prove our market back in 2015. Since then, the airline has flown over half a million passengers to the South Island. For South Island exporters, the return of China Southern means a faster route for high-value produce, cherries, salmon, and other fresh goods, straight into the Chinese market and onto plates across Asia and Europe. 'Every flight carries more than just passengers,' says Christchurch Airport's GM Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan. 'The belly of the aircraft delivers huge value for South Island businesses getting their premium goods to global markets.' China Southern's vast network via Guangzhou connects Kiwis to China and offers easy onward travel to hotspots like Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey and Nepal or further to destinations across China Southern's Asia and Europe network. The South Island is also home to over 20,000 Chinese residents, most of which live in the Christchurch area. Ali Adams, Chief Executive, ChristchurchNZ says, 'China Southern's service means so much to our city, especially during Chinese New Year. For so many in our Chinese community it's an important bridge home. It's a chance to be with loved ones, honour cherished traditions, and feel close to family, even across great distances. It also deepens the cultural and economic bonds between Christchurch and China in a truly meaningful way.' China is New Zealand's third-largest tourism market, with nearly 170,000 holidaymakers visiting last year. The South Island gains directly from these high-value travellers, who stay longer and venture further.
