by Metropol | September 2, 2026 8:33 am
Kea Aerospace is entering its next phase of growth with a new Christchurch manufacturing and operations facility, fresh international investment and a new generation of aerospace talent on the horizon.
The company recently opened its 3265-square-metre facility, bringing aircraft development, manufacturing and Mission Control together under one roof.
“Our new home brings every aspect of production to one location, giving our team the space and capability to design, build, test and operate the Kea Atmos Mk2, our next-generation solar-powered aircraft designed for persistent flight in the stratosphere,” says founder and CEO Mark Rocket.
The opening brought together Kea’s team, investors, partners and leaders from New Zealand’s aerospace sector. Chris Penk, then Minister for Space and Defence, officially opened the facility, with Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger also highlighting the opportunities emerging from the country’s expanding aerospace industry.
While the new facility represents a significant leap forward for Kea, ambitions extend beyond the company’s own aircraft, which is also using the new premises to support the wider sector, with space dedicated to the Canterbury Aerospace Hub.
Supported by ChristchurchNZ, the hub is intended to give aerospace businesses a place to connect, collaborate and grow. The company has also closed its latest investment round, attracting backing from New Zealand and international investors. New investors Asia Air Survey of Japan joins participants from the UK, Germany and New Zealand, bringing additional global connections and expertise.
Mark says the investment fully funds development of the Kea Atmos Mk2 through to the next major phase of commercial operations, bringing its vision for persistent stratospheric flight closer to reality.
“With the Kea Atmos Mk2 taking shape and Canterbury’s aerospace ecosystem gathering momentum, there’s a lot to be excited about and we’re only just getting started,” Mark says.
Meanwhile, the company is looking to the future workforce, beginning interviews for its 10-week summer internship programme. Christchurch-based engineering students will gain hands-on experience across aircraft design, avionics, electrical systems, software, manufacturing and testing.
With new facilities, fresh capital and emerging talent, Kea Aerospace is positioning Christchurch as a launchpad for its next chapter in New Zealand’s fast-growing aerospace story.
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Hero image: A new home and fresh investment for Kea Aerospace is a boost for development of next-generation solar-powered aircraft.
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