Air New Zealand Moves Grounded Aircraft to Alice Springs Storage
Air New Zealand has announced plans to relocate several of its grounded aircraft to a storage facility in Alice Springs, Australia, due to ongoing engine supply challenges. The airline is facing delays in engine availability from major suppliers Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney, affecting its fleet of Airbus A321 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
In a recent media advisory, Air New Zealand highlighted the favorable storage conditions in Alice Springs, citing the region’s dry climate and low humidity as ideal for preserving aircraft. The decision to move aircraft to this location is part of the airline’s strategy to optimize space at its Auckland facilities, ensuring that scheduled engineering and maintenance programs can continue without disruption.
The storage facility in Alice Springs will accommodate up to four aircraft at a time, with Air New Zealand planning to rotate its grounded planes in and out of storage as engines become available. This approach allows the airline to manage its fleet more efficiently while awaiting the resolution of global engine supply constraints.
In addition to these temporary storage measures, Air New Zealand is making long-term investments to enhance its maintenance capabilities. The airline is currently constructing Hangar 4 at its Auckland base, a state-of-the-art facility designed to be one and a half times larger than its existing hangars. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the new hangar will be capable of housing one widebody aircraft, such as a Boeing 777-300 or 787-9, alongside two narrowbody aircraft, like an A320 or A321neo, simultaneously.
The architectural firm Studio Pacific, responsible for designing Hangar 4, has emphasized the innovative nature of the project. The new structure is set to be the largest single-span timber arch aircraft hangar in the world, showcasing cutting-edge engineering and design tailored to meet the airline’s future needs.
As Air New Zealand navigates these engine supply challenges, the relocation of aircraft to Alice Springs and the development of advanced maintenance facilities in Auckland are key components of the airline’s strategy to maintain operational efficiency. The proactive measures ensure that the airline is well-prepared to address both current and future fleet management requirements.
By leveraging the unique storage conditions in Alice Springs and investing in expanded infrastructure at its home base, Air New Zealand aims to minimize the impact of global supply chain disruptions on its operations. These efforts reflect the airline’s commitment to maintaining its fleet in top condition while continuing to deliver reliable service to its customers.
The move to store aircraft in Alice Springs is a temporary but necessary step as the airline works closely with engine manufacturers to resolve supply issues. As the industry grapples with ongoing challenges, Air New Zealand’s adaptive approach highlights its resilience and dedication to overcoming obstacles in a dynamic and unpredictable environment.