New Zealand Aviation Takes Off in Vietnam

Prime Minister John Key highlighted strong aviation ties between New Zealand and Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City on October 29.
The breakfast event also marked the signing of a letter of intent between New Zealand's Pacific Aerospace and Vietnam's Samcom for the purchase of two P-750 XSTOL aircraft, to take place next month.
The New Zealand aircraft will be used for aerial survey and mapping work and have been chosen for low operating cost and high reliability.
"Despite having manufactured well over 700 aircraft, which we have sold all around the world, this is our first sale to Vietnam. It is a very important step towards developing South East Asia as one of our key markets for the P-750 XSTOL," said Damian Camp, the chief executive of Pacific Aerospace.
The deal presents just one of the ways New Zealand and Vietnam have been working together in the aviation sector. New Zealand pilot training, airport redevelopment and baggage handling systems are also being utilized here.
"Today's signing of a letter of intent to purchase two aircraft from Pacific Aerospace is a big step forward for New Zealand aviation in Vietnam. The New Zealand aviation service sector is also providing significant input into the development of new and upgraded airport facilities," said Graham Sims, the New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul General to Vietnam.
New Zealand is known worldwide for its advanced aviation industry, including creating high-grade aluminum used on the wings of Airbus' new A380 and 3D graphics management systems used by the US aerospace and defense companies.
Revenue in New Zealand's aviation industry grew from NZ$6.8 billion in 2005 to NZ$9.7 billion in 2009./.