in 1984 by Pat MacKenzie, Dave Stewart and Glenn MacKenzie with a vision to set new standards in the aviation service industry. Since then the team of skilled, dedicated staff at HAM Aero have worked hard to achieve that goal. In the early days GA Maintenance and doing all sorts of chores around the Airport, from Fire Fighting to lawn mowing, was the company’s main income. Airline maintenance soon followed. Air NZ, KIWI Air, Freedom, Pacific Blue (now Virgin Australia) and many regional carriers have all used HAM Aero’s skills and “can do” attitude during their operations in Hamilton and at other airports where we supplied services.
In 1991 we took on the ground handling contract for Air New Zealand at Hamilton and subsequently gained Eagle Airways, Air Nelson and Mt Cook’s ground handling. We set up ground handling for Kiwi International Airlines at both Hamilton and Christchurch.
In 1992 HAM Aero joined forces with Clive Law-Brown to create HAM Aero Avionics Ltd to provide a quality Avionics solution at Hamilton Airport and beyond .
HAM Aero was contracted to carry out ‘A’ and ‘B’ checks for Freedom Air’s B737-300’s at Hamilton.
In 1996 HAM Aero set up on Brisbane Airport, Australia to assist Freedom Air and while there gained other ground handling contracts.
HAM Aero provided Origin Pacific Airway’s customer and ramp handling in Hamilton until it ceased operations in 2006.
HAM Aero supplied engineering turnaround support for Air NZ at Mangere for the domestic A320 operation during 2007-2008
HAM Aero supplied all airport services for Virgin Australia operations into Hamilton including: Ground handling, Baggage, Guest Services/ Check in (these flights were withdrawn in Oct 2012).
HAM Aero also provided Engineering support to the Virgin B737-800s over-night in Hamilton and carried out ETOPS turnaround for Air NZ A320 ops in Rotorua for their Sydney service. We are now doing the same for Virgin in Queenstown with our own CASA Part 145 Certificate.
HAM Aero hold Part 145 certification issued by the New Zealand CAA and has a quality program that covers all aspects of our operation. Along with the local certificate HAM Aero holds a variety of other foreign regulator AMO Certificates.
HAM Aero has a number of commercial operator clients whose aircraft we look after, including several Air Ambulance operators. Corporate jets have made a comeback in NZ over the past few years and HAM Aero now look after a Falcon 50 and Cessna Citation Sovereign. With our new (ex Eagle Air) hangar secured in 2023, HAM Aero has moved out of its original home and stepped up a notch with its new hangar, Stores and Admin facilities.
HAM Aero provide BP fuelling services at Hamilton and Rotorua Airport
Today, the company still provides a comprehensive range of quality aviation services from its Rukuhia, Hamilton, New Zealand base and Rotorua Airport. Airline work is an expanding part of the business and since 2016 HAM Aero has gained various foreign Part 145 accreditations to carry out Line Maintenance for a number of foreign airlines, principally at Auckland International Airport, but also other international airports such as WLG, CHC, ZQN, BNE, MEL & SYD.
The GA Division has grown significantly. Commercial GA operators are a key part of the business as well as private owners who are looking for those high standards we work to at HAM Aero.
Our client list includes private, commercial and airline customers throughout New Zealand and overseas, from individuals to major airlines and Governments. We are always looking for opportunities to expand our operations, knowledge and capability and work with individuals and organisations who seek Safe, Quality and Cost Effective solutions to their aviation requirements.