Aviation access

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre PMH Aviation Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Aviation has been part of the Marlborough region since early flight in New Zealand.

The warm climate and clear weather days throughout the year make it a natural aviation hots spot.

With the natural alliance of Omaka Airfield and the Woodbourne Aerodrome, Marlborough has an existing infrastructure strength to maintain excellent aviation services into the future.

The visitor focus to the regions aviation experience is the world class Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (OAHC) which features displays and stories on World War 1 and 2 aviation – six aircraft in the Dangerous Skies (WW2) and 23 in the Knights of the Skies (WW1) – which feature displays of Peter Jacksons own original WW1 aircraft and assisted displays by WETA Workshop. OAHC also provides a world class off season and weather independent visitor experience while catering for large conference functions as a themed offsite venue. With further ambitious plans to extend its exhibition space to cater for additional aircraft and larger conference groups confirms OAHC has a strong future leading the aviation visitor proposition.

The RNZAF base at Woodbourne is next to the Marlborough Airport, here the RNZAF undertake training for recruits, officers & command. Managed by Airbus Ltd the business undertakes maintenance of aircraft airframes, engines, and avionics systems.

The wider aviation community have embraced Marlborough and Omaka Airpark is operated by OAHC next to their visitor experience. Aviation related business including specialist machinists, maintenance engineering, helicopter operators, agricultural flying, flight training and heritage scenic charters.

According to a feasibility study conducted by OAHC in 2019, Aviation contributed $73.5 million to Marlborough’s GDP for the region in 2017, there are 911 aviation jobs or 3.5% of total Marlborough jobs across 45 businesses.

With over 100 vintage aircraft in the district, Marlborough can claim to be a key global centre for heritage aviation.

Key Strengths Key Concerns

Ideal weather conditions – climate – for lighter heritage aircraft Maximising the OAHC possibility – global scalability and aviation niche magnetism – under investment

Easy access from main towns to aerodromes and airports Maintaining Marlborough’s position as an aviation hot spot

Development and future plans at OAHC If RNZAF closes base at Woodbourne

Access across vineyards, mountains, and coastline for unique scenic flights Creating enough visitation volume and revenue via OAHC to drive further investment

Biannual Classic Fighter Omaka Air show Lack of domestic conferences choosing Marlborough and Events centre partnerships

Year–round all season and weather appeal Not enough profile of aviation as a Marlborough USP

Global pulling power and unique position as an attraction Dependent on conference volume

Depth of specialist aviation skill sets in local population

Key Opportunities Key Strategies

Development of OAHC to compliment cruise, conference, aviation event, tour group market gaps

Development of Marlborough as an aviation touring base for the Top of the South Island and potentially nationwide Source funding and complete proposed OAHC extensions o secure new collection, expand off season appeal and provide larger conference facilities

Amplify commissionable visitor aviation activities and promote flights that highlight regional strengths including Sounds, Molesworth, vineyard, seafood, and mountain experiences. Bush and beach remote airstrip access

Further evolution of aviation scenic flight options that take in the sounds, food & fine etc Continue to promote and expand aviation special events with OAHC

Using aviation to assist better access to remote corners of the Marlborough Sounds

Development of a regional flight school and educational segment