Air New Zealand has launched Hangar 4, a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance facility, which is part of the airline’s maintenance hub in Māngere, Auckland.
Spanning 10,000 square metres, with a height of 35 metres and a width of 98 metres, Hangar 4’s vast size enables Air New Zealand engineers to simultaneously service a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and two Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, complemented by an extra 5,000 square metres of specialised workshops and engineering areas.
“This is a state-of-the-art facility that will enable us to maintain our fleet to the highest standards of safety and performance, while giving us the flexibility to adapt as aircraft technology evolves,” Air New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Foran said.
“This investment ensures we have fit-for-purpose, modern infrastructure for our engineers to service our fleet.”
“The investment also signals our confidence in our future – in our people, our country, and in the proud role we play in connecting New Zealanders to each other and New Zealand to the world.”
Hangar 4, aiming to achieve a 6 Green Star Rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council, stands as the largest single-span timber arch aircraft hangar in the southern hemisphere.
Timber was selected due to its lighter weight, sustainable sourcing from plantations in Nelson and Wodonga, and its durability in a coastal environment.
The ETFE roof allows natural light to enter while retaining heat without requiring a heating system, with ceiling fans that help circulate warm air during winter and provide cooling in summer.
Prefabricated trusses, each weighing 38 tonnes and constructed in 25-metre sections, were assembled on site and lifted into position using New Zealand’s largest crawler crane.
Underground service pits remove the requirement for surface cabling, providing greater flexibility and efficiency for maintenance crews.
The facility is also linked to the neighbouring Hangar 3 through shared workshops and tool storage, enhancing overall efficiency in maintenance operations.