Boeing has expanded its presence in New Zealand with a new head agreement that would support the NZ Defence Force’s new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft fleet.
Executed by Boeing Defence Australia’s vice president and managing director Scott Carpendale, and the New Zealand Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short, the first contract under the deal will require the delivery of sustainment services for a six-year period.
The contract will be comprised of engineering and supply chain services, according to Carpendale. Work is expected to commence in October 2022 and be completed in September 2028.
“Subject to performance, it will extend through the life of the fleet in rolling three-year extensions,” he added.
Aside from providing a boost for Boeing’s regional sustainment capability, the new contract backs the NZ Defence Force’s sustainment strategy, according to Rob Wight, integrated project team leader for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence.
To support the new agreement, Boeing has established a new business entity, Boeing New Zealand, which will employ a local team supported by Boeing Australia and the company’s international P-8 program teams.
“Our long-term objective is to expand P-8A support in New Zealand in response to the emerging needs of our customer, while pursuing other campaigns and capitalising on synergies between Australian and New Zealand programs,” said Carpendale.
The latest agreement comes on the heels of Boeing Defence Australia’s recent contract award for P-8A deeper maintenance for the Royal Australian Air Force, making the country the second outside of the US to undertake the complex and specialised sustainment services.
“The Head Agreement acknowledges the importance of the relationship between the New Zealand Defence Force and Boeing in support of the platform, and provides a framework for future growth.”
