Wellington: Government, Regulation and Innovation in Aerospace
Twenty years ago, New Zealand skies consisted primarily of commercial airliners and general aviation (GA) aircraft. Today, we manufacture and fly composite rockets, stratospheric aircraft, space planes, autonomous air taxis, and much more. This raises the question: how did a small island nation transform from a bystander to a global leader in aerospace innovation in such a short time?
Government's Role
Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, is best known as the centre of government and home to policymakers who help steer and support Aotearoa's industries. In the aerospace context, Simon Brown - Minister of Transport and Judith Collins - Minister for Space, play important roles in enabling a robust sector that fosters innovation and aligns strategically with New Zealand values.
Regulatory Approach
While aerospace regulations are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of our skies, the real magic happens at the intersection of innovation and regulation. New Zealand's approach to new aerospace technology is unique; regulators are open to co-creating safe frameworks that enable almost any idea to come to life. This contrasts with many countries worldwide that apply blanket rules to their airspace, leaving little room for exploring new innovations.
Case Study - Wisk Aero
Wisk Aero, a US-based aerospace manufacturer developing self-flying electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed as air taxis, chose to conduct test flights in Aotearoa. In December 2023, the company successfully completed a first-of-its-kind trial in which it demonstrated that uncrewed aircraft could be safely integrated into controlled airspace among piloted aircraft.
““The successful completion of this phase of testing demonstrates that it is possible to safely integrate autonomous aircraft into controlled airspace that is shared with piloted aircraft, The processes, data, and learnings from these trial flights will help shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the broader aviation industry.”
Industry Partnerships
Aerospace innovations like the Wisk air taxi exemplify the success of government-industry partnerships in Aotearoa's thriving aerospace sector. The world-first Airspace Integration Trials Programme (AITP), launched in 2019, demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to balancing innovation, safety, environmental considerations, and social impact while unlocking economic potential. This government initiative ensures the safe operation of airspace systems while fostering technological advancement. Complementing these efforts, industry partners such as Nova Systems Australia New Zealand, BECA, Airways New Zealand, and Tawhaki Aerospace Centre play crucial roles by providing essential regulatory compliance support and test infrastructure. This collaborative approach has positioned New Zealand at the forefront of aerospace innovation, creating an environment where cutting-edge projects can flourish.
Government Focus and Industry Challenges
Aerospace New Zealand recently met with members of the New Zealand Space Agency, Space Ministers Secretary, and other relevant government officials. A key takeaway was the government's increased focus on strengthening international ties to boost the aerospace industry. However, those in the industry face pressures from tighter budgets, increased global competition, and continued challenges in raising capital, often slowing progress for early-stage companies.
Wellington's Aerospace Ecosystem
Looking more broadly at Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, several key organisations contribute to the aerospace ecosystem:
1. Callaghan Innovation: This government agency, headquartered in Wellington, facilitates funding to support new research.
2. NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research): Coordinates all national projects from Wellington.
3. Victoria University: Offers the country's only BS in Space Science and provides a direct pathway into the aerospace industry.
4. Paihau Robinson Research Institute: Develops high-temperature superconducting magnets and ion thrusters for propulsion, among other space-related research with direct industry impact.
New Zealand's aerospace industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades. This success can be attributed to a combination of factors: entrepreneurial activity, forward-thinking government policies, a unique regulatory approach that balances innovation with safety, strong partnerships with experienced industry players, and a robust ecosystem of research institutions and universities.
As the industry continues to evolve, New Zealand is well-positioned to keep developing its ecosystem in aerospace innovation. However, challenges remain, particularly for early-stage companies facing financial constraints and increased competition. The continued collaboration between government, industry, and academia will be crucial in overcoming these hurdles and propelling New Zealand's aerospace sector to new heights.
