Alexandra Airport’s first commercial hangar is in progress.

The hangar, leased by Tinshed Aviation Ltd, is a new purpose-built aircraft restoration and maintenance facility that will support the aviation industry, while also fulfilling a key aspect of the Central Otago District Council’s Alexandra Airport Masterplan.

It is being built on a site leased from the Council and is hoped to be finished by the end of the year.

Co-owners Bryan Jones and Arron Cooper have already been operating the business with permission from the Council on a temporary basis out of a private hangar at the airport.

Since opening the business in October last year, work had been steadily increasing, and to see the new build underway was ‘awesome’, Tinshed Aviation company director/maintenance manager Arron Cooper said.

“Alexandra was our preferred location . . . We are looking forward to continuing to grow and contributing to the local community.”

The build of the purpose-built aircraft restoration and maintenance facility in progress at Alexandra Airport. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The masterplan specifically identified an area at the airport appropriate for an aircraft maintenance and repair company. 

Council had been aiming to attract this type of business to the airport, property and facilities manager Garreth Robinson, said.

“The vision of the masterplan was that the Alexandra Airport would be a safe, user friendly and efficient facility for aviation related businesses, aircraft operators and lease holders.

“The idea is that the airport will provide for the growth of compatible aviation activities that support tourism, innovation, research and training opportunities in a way that meets community well-being. 

‘’Seeing operations like Bryan and Arron’s get established is helping make the strategic vision a reality.”

The business also plans to offer flying training based out of the new hangar.

The Airport runway surface is scheduled for reseal over the summer and council is working through the design and procurement process for this project.