About Us
Air National was founded in 1989 as a dedicated charter airline at a time when very few believed there was a need for such and operation in New Zealand Aviation. With high levels of service, the ability to recognise opportunities, the flexibility to change with market conditions, and a very competitive cost structure, we are very proud to be New Zealands longest serving and leading charter airline.
Our History in Brief
1989 Founded as Menzies Aviation in Melbourne and Auckland
1992 Moved to Auckland International Airport and renamed Air National Corporate Ltd
1993 Introduced the E110 Bandierante type aircraft and began supporting scheduled regional airline services
1996 Awarded NZ Airways Calibration contract for all local and South Pacific Operations
1996 Introduced BAE Jetstream J32EP regional turboprop to the Air National fleet
1997 Commenced scheduled operations for Ansett New Zealand
1997 Commenced International Jet Charter broker operations
2000 Opened Wellington Base to include full service engineering part 145 heavy approvals
2000 Acquired SkyCare International, New Zealand's only fully licensed FBO Ground Handling operation
2001 Commenced services with 40 passenger Dash 8 turboprop New Zealand wide with full part 121 heavy certification
2002 Entered the Global Corporate Jet market with the charter management contract for New Zealand's first Intercontinental Gulfstream Jet the GIV-SP
2003 Established all ground handling and passenger services at Wellington International Airport for Pacific Blue Airlines
2005 Introduced and commenced services with the Westwind II corporate jet aircraft
2006 Introduced New Zealands most comprehensive jet programme - JetPlus to the New Zealand market
2006 Commenced support services for Air New Zealand Link in January - providing twice daily return services between Auckland and Kaitaia
2006 Commenced additional support services for Air New Zealand Link in August - providing daily return services between Christchurch and Oamaru, and Christchurch and Hokitika
2007 - Introduced and commenced services with the Gulfstream G200 corporate jet aircraft
2008 - Introduced and commenced services with the British Aerospace BAE146 Regional Jet aircraft
2008 - Established all ground handling and passenger services at Auckland International Airport for Jet Star International flights
2008 - Established all ground handling and passenger services at Auckland and Wellington International Airports for Jet Star Domestic flights
New Zealand Airways Corporation
"I would like to express my gratitude and admiration for the excellent job your team have done. It is full credit to your company's professionalism and competence that our Pacific deployment was so successful"